Governor John Bel Edwards is sending over three-hundred Louisiana National Guard soldiers to Puerto Rico to assist the island nation as it deals with catastrophic devastation from Hurricane Maria. Mike Steele, with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says two separate units will spend a month in Puerto Rico…
cut 3 (10) “…engineering needs”
Steele says a 163 person Military Police Company is also heading to Puerto Rico to assist with security.

The family of an LSU student that’s been missing for nearly two weeks willl hold a press conference at one o’ clock to provide an update on the search efforts. Michael Nickelotte of Mandeville was last seen leaving his dorm room during the overnight hours on September 18th. A Florida-based search team has joined LSU police in the search for the 21-year-old.

Early voting for the October 14th election starts tomorrow, but Secretary of State Tom Schedler expects a small turnout. Emelie Gunn has more…
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Constituional Amendment Three on the ballot calls for any money that comes from a higher gasoline tax would have to go towards highway construction. PAR President Robert Travis Scott…
cut 9 (11) “…on highways”

Parkway High School in Bossier Parish is requiring its students to stand for the national anthem or face discpline and contnued failure to comply will result in getting kicked off the team. But Executive Director of the ACLU of Louisiana Marjorie Esman says the constitution allows students to peacefully protest by either sitting or kneeling during the anthem…
cut 10 (10) “…the government”
Quarterback Drew Brees says the Saints will kneel before the national anthem on Sunday prior to their game against the Dolphins and then the entire team will stand when the anthem plays.

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will have some of its employees assist in the response and recovery efforts that are ongoing in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Members of the Louisiana National Guard are also part of this effort. Governor Edwards says the experienced teams of emergency repsponders will help victims overome the logisitical challenges they are battling.

Early voting opens tomorrow for the October 14th election, but Secretary of State Tom Schedler doesn’t expect a big turnout. Three constitutional amendments, the state treasurer’s race and a few big local elections are on the ballot. However, Schedler says there has not been much publicity.
Cut 4 (10) “engaged”
Constitutional Amendment two on the ballot would give surviving spouses of first responders who died while on duty a property tax exemption. An exemption currently exists for surviving spouses of National Guard members, state police, law enforcement or fire firefighters who die in the line of duty. PAR President Robert Travis Scott says passage of Amendment two extends the tax break to spouses of volunteer firefighters, emergency medical responders and paramedics.
cut 8 (10) “…the home”

There will be more attention on the national anthem at high school football games tonight. Bossier Schools Superintendent Scott Smith has sent out a statement saying that teams and organiziations should stand in unity to honor our nation’s military and veterans. But Louisiana ACLU executive director Marjorie Esman condems threats to students over their first amendment rights….
cut 11 (07) “…would hope”
Parkway High School in Bossier says student athletes are required to stand for the national anthem and continued failure to comply will result in removal from the team.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees says the entire team plans to kneel before the anthem is played on Sunday, but they’ll stand for it. That’s what the Dallas Cowboys did on Monday Night Football. In Charlotte last week, 10 Saints players sat on the bench during the anthem.

Early voting begins tomorrow for the October 14th election, which hasn’t drawn much interest. The ballot features three constitutional amendments, the state treasurer’s race, a Public Service Commission election in south Louisiana and local measures. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says there is a continuing pattern of a loss of interest in smaller elections….
cut 5 (11) “…the world”
Early voting runs through next Saturday, except on Sunday.

The state transportation department is expanding its Motorist Assitance Patrol Program into Alexandria-Pineville. DOTD spokesperson Deidra Druilhet says stranded motorists on a major highway in that area can call a MAP truck for assistance…
cut 15 (09) “…on duty”

A Bossier Parish High School has told student athletes they could be kicked off a team for disrespecting the flag during the national anthem. Michael Farrar has more
Voicer 3 (30) “constitutional rights”

The state is bringing its roadside assistance program to the Alexandria-Pineville area. DOTD spokesperson Deidrea Durilhet says they’ll have two vehicles available during the work week to help stranded motorists on I-49 and….
cut 14 (06) “…McArthur”

Voters should be aware of three constitutional amendments on the October 14th ballot. Amendment number one establishes a property tax exemption for construction work in progress. President of the Public Affairs Research Council, Robert Travis Scott, says if it passes, the law is straightforward.
Cut 7 (10) “process”
Amendment two would give surviving spouses of first responders who died while on duty a property tax exemption. And Amendment 3 says if gas taxes are raised, all of the extra revenues must go towards roadway construction.

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise was greeted with a roaring ovation today wehn he returned to the U.S. Capitol for the first time since he was shot by a gunman in the left hip The Metairie native says while it was an evil act, he was able to see the goodness of people…
cut 7 (12) “…people are”
60 minutes will have a feature on Scalise on Sunday night.

A UNO statewide poll finds a majority of Louisiana voters believe NFL players who do not stand for the national anthem should be punished. But Researcher Tony Licciardi says there was a stark difference between black and white respondents, 70-percent of whites say they should penalized, while only 34-percent of blacks felt the same. He says big racial divides in polling are not uncommon.

The state Department of Health has filed suit against several opioid companies a week after multiple Louisiana Sheriff’s Offices did the same…
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The two suspects wanted in the fatal stabbing of an 82-year-old woman in Shreveport are in a jail in Texas awaiting extradition back to Caddo Parish. Shreveport Police say Roy Narcisse and Kiana Williams of Ville Platte were located in San Angelo, Texas and they were still in possession of the victim’s vehicle.

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise is back at the Capitol working following a shooting that nearly ended his life. Jeff Palermo has more on the Metairie Congressman’s emotional return.
Cut 2 (32) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

West Baton Rouge officials say a 5 year old Lafayette boy passed away today from the injuries he sustained in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 on Tuesday. Xander Cruz clung to life for two days after an 18 wheeler struck three vehicles on Tuesday. His grandmother tells a Baton Rouge TV station the boy’s organs will be donated to others.

A motorcyclist clocked at 123 miles per hour was killed in a crash according to Senior Trooper Dustin Dwight. 42 year old Andres Alessi of Baton Rouge suffered severe injuries from a crash on Louisiana highway 22 in Tangipahoa Parish.
Cut 14 (09) “…the law.”
Alessi died at a hospital from his injuries.

One week after multiple Louisiana Sheriff’s Offices announced a lawsuit against several opioid manufacturers, the state Health Department has filed its own lawsuit claiming these drug companies helped fuel a severe opioid epidemic. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says this is a very trendy lawsuit…
Cut 3 (11) “to settle”
Meche says it could be difficult for the plantiffs in a trial, because opioids are regulated and approved by the FDA and prescribed by doctors.

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise was greeted with a roaring ovation this morning as he returned to the U.S. Capitol for the first time since he was seriously wounded by a gunman who was killed. The Metairie native says while it was an evil act, he was able to see the goodness of people…

cut 7 (12) “…people are”

60 minutes will have a feature on Scalise on Sunday night.

Opioid manufacturers have another lawsuit to face as the state Department of Health has joined many Louisiana Sheriff Departments in taking legal action against them.  Legal analyst Tim Meche says it may be difficult for the suits to gain traction because the opioids were prescribed by doctors as well as regulated and approved by the FDA.  He says this litigation is similar to suits against gun manufacturers.

Cut 4        (11)     “…get one.”

The suits claims the companies helped fuel the opioid addiction epidemic.

A UNO statewide poll finds a majority of Louisiana voters believe NFL players who do not stand for the national anthem should be punished. But Researcher Tony Licciardi says there was a stark difference between black and white respondents, 70-percent of whites say they should penalized, while 34-percent of blacks felt the same. He says big racial divides are not uncommon

cut 11       (09)  “…basis.”

Senior Trooper Dustin Dwight says after an officer clocked 42 year old Andres Alessi of Baton Rouge traveling at 123 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone on his motorcycle, authorities received a crash report further down La highway 22 in Tangipahoa Parish.

Cut 13      (11)    “…severe injuries”

Alessi succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at a hospital.

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Metairie is back at the U.S. Capitol for the first time since he was shot on June 14th while practicing for a charity baseball game. Scalise received a thunderous applause when he entered the House chambers and thanked those who helped save his life, including Ohio Representative Brad Wenstrup…
cut 6 (12) “…blood loss”

A UNO poll finds 49-percent of Louisiana registered voters approve of President Donald Trump’s job performance, while 45-percent disapprove. Researcher Tony Licciardi says there are significant differences in opinion on approval along racial lines…
cut 10 (12) “…other minorities”

The state Department of Health has filed suit against several opioid companies a week after multiple Louisiana Sheriff’s Offices did the same…
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The two suspects wanted in the fatal stabbing of an 82-year-old woman in Shreveport are in a jail in Texas awaiting extradition back to Caddo Parish. Shreveport Police say Roy Narcisse and Kiana Williams of Ville Platte were located in San Angelo, Texas and they were still in possession of the victim’s vehicle.