The music community is in mourning today after the passing of New Orleans music icon Allen Toussaint. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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The 2016 Bayou Country Superfest in Tiger Stadium will feature superstars Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean and Eric Church. Eric Gill reports…:

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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The Council for a Better Louisiana and Louisiana Public Broadcasting are hosting tonight’s televised gubernatorial debate between Republican David Vitter and Democrat John Bel Edwards. The debate begins at 7PM and will be televised statewide on LPB stations. CABL President Barry Erwin says viewers can expect the candidates to discuss familiar issues impacting the state…

CUT 3 (10)  “in-depth way” 

He hopes the candidates will be able to dig a little deeper into the issues than in previous forums. Erwin says they hope to make this feel more like a real debate with more back and forth between the candidates…

CUT 4 (09)  “more interaction”

He says the focus of this debate will be the issues facing the state in a big way in the months ahead. Erwin says it’s important for Louisianians to see Edwards and Vitter discuss their plans for Louisiana…

CUT 5 (04)  “to actually do”

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The music community is in mourning today after the passing of New Orleans music icon Allen Toussaint. Toussaint was on tour in Europe when he reportedly suffered a fatal heart attack after a performance Monday in Madrid, Spain. Louisiana Music Hall of Fame President Mike Shepherd says Toussaint was not only one of the biggest international figures in music, but was also a true gentleman…

CUT 6 (09) “great man”

Toussaint was 77-years-old. The music legend is not only a member of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, but also the Rock and Roll and Blues Halls of Fame as well. Although Toussaint was a famed performer and producer, Shepherd says one aspect of his career will stand above all others…

CUT 7 (09)  “outshine anything”

Toussaint’s songs have been covered by the biggest names in music, including Glen Campbell who had a number one hit in 1977 with “Southern Nights”. Shepherd says Toussaint was a true representative of New Orleans and he will be greatly missed…

CUT 8 (11)  “with Allen”

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The US 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled Louisiana can keep the final Angola 3 inmate in jail and try him again in the 1972 killing of a prison guard. The move reverses an order by a US District Judge that Albert Woodfox must be released and not face a third trial. Legal analyst Tim Meche says Woodfox’s other two convictions were tossed on technicalities.

CUT 9 (11)  “and not tried again”

Woodfox is the last incarcerated member of the Angola 3, who supporters say is being held on invalid convictions in isolation for years at the Louisiana State Penitentiary. Meche says most of the witnesses from the case are dead and a trial on a 40 year old case would present major issues:

cut 10 (10)  “will be the same”

Amnesty International contends the convictions of Woodfox are riddled with flaws, and he’s unjustly been held in cruelty for several decades. Meche says lawyers and supporters of the Angola 3 have been very successful in getting the public and the media on their side…:

Cut 11 (10)  “released”

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Organizers with Bayou Country Superfest announce another stellar lineup for the Tiger Stadium shows in 2016 which will be 7th year of the event. Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean and Eric Church will headline the three nights, May 27th, 28th & 29th, with super star opening acts including, Darius Rucker and Dierks Bently says BCS Producer Quint Davis…:

cut 12 (08)  “soaring up”

Davis says three day ticket packages will go on sale one week from today, November 17th, beginning at 10am. Other acts on the lineup include The Randy Rogers Band, Thomas Rhett and Cole Swindell. Davis also invites folks to take advantage of the Fan Fest and Tailgate Party just outside the stadium with a country stage, festive food and meet and greets…:

cut 13 (09)  “enjoy”

He says if you’ve never been to a Bayou Country Superfest over a Memorial Day weekend in Tiger Stadium, you won’t believe your eyes when you walk inside…:

cut 14 (09) “rock show really” 

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Bond for the two men charged with second degree murder in the death of 6-year-old Jeremy Mardis has been set at $1 million each. Eric Gill takes a look at what happens next…

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Lafayette City-Parish President Mayor Joey Durel says the movie theater where a man opened fire on a crowd of people in July, will open its doors for the first time since the shootings in 10 days. Eric Gill reports…:

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Today, State Police honored the four people who rendered aid to Trooper Steven Vincent while he was critically wounded during a traffic stop in August. Vincent was shot and killed while trying to assist a motorist with his vehicle. Master Trooper Brooks David says these four men are being honored for their bravery and selfless service…

CUT 3 (10)  “has a weapon” 

One being recognized is Robert LeDoux who subdued the alleged shooter, 54-year-old Kevin Daigle, and held him until officers arrived. David says the actions of these men were over and above what anyone would have expected…

CUT 4 (08)  “fellow trooper”

David says Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson felt it was important for LSP to recognize these four individuals…

CUT 5 (05)  “our trooper”

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Bond for the two men arrested in the death of 6-year-old Jeremy Mardis has been set at $1 million each. Norris Greenhouse, Jr. and Derrick Stafford are charged with second degree murder in the child’s death. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the next major step in this case is a charging decision…

CUT 6 (09) “negligent homicide”

Mardis was killed when Marksville City Marshals fired on the vehicle he was riding in with his father last week. Ciolino says charges against the men could rise to first degree murder or potentially fall to negligent homicide depending on what the grand jury decides…

CUT 7 (07)  “term of years”

It’s reported that City Marshals fired 18 shots into the vehicle. State Police Col. Mike Edmonson says there is body cam footage of the incident and Ciolino says that evidence will be critical in moving this case forward…

CUT 8 (08)  “to intent”

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Lafayette City-Parish President Mayor Joey Durel says the movie theater where a man opened fire on a crowd of people in July, will open its doors for the first time since the shootings in 10 days. On July 23rd, a crazed man shot and killed two women and injured several others at the Grand 16 shortly after a film had started. Durel says this is a symbolic development

CUT 9 (06)  “you’re released”

Durel stresses that while this is another step in the way of healing for the community, he realizes the victims and their families will be suffering from this horrific event for many years. He says The Grand Theater will open its doors again on November 19th at 7pm…:

cut 10 (11)  “everything”

Durel says within 36 hours of the shooting, the owner of the theater, George Solomon, said he wanted to do something as a gift to Lafayette so he decided to completely gut and renovate the establishment. He says the community will feel a collective sense of relief once The Grand on Johnston Street opens back up as it’s in a place thousands of cars go by everyday..:

Cut 11 (09)  “of Lafayette”

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In response to a question about his prostitution scandal, Republican Gubernatorial candidate David Vitter said he failed his family 15 years ago. But Vitter says the good news is that he asked and received forgiveness

cut 12 (08)  “as from God”

His opponent in the governor’s race, Democrat John Bel Edwards, has a television AD that claims Vitter missed a vote in the US House of Representatives in 2001 to honor fallen soldiers, but took a call from a prostitute. Edwards says while Vitter has received forgiveness, we shouldn’t forget…

cut 13 (06)  “as well”

In 2007, Vitter apologized for what he called a very serious sin. He was also asked today at the Baton Rouge Press Club whether the behavior that led to the serious sin has stopped…

cut 14 (06) “absolutely yes” 

In his response, Vitter didn’t deny the acussations made in the so-called “Patriots for Prostitutes” ad, but Edwards stands by the facts of the commercial…

cut 15 (10)  “angry now”

Louisiana Congressmen Ralph Abraham and Cedric Richmond introduce a bill that seeks to prevent deaths of high school football players. Emelie Gunn has more….

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A devastating disease of roses caused by the rose rosette virus has been confirmed for the first time in Louisiana. Eric Gill reports…

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The two candidates for governor will go face-to-face today as they are both expected to appear at the Baton Rouge press club. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana Congressmen Ralph Abraham of Alto and Cedric Richmond of New Orleans introduce a bill which tries to prevent death of high school football players. Abraham says the bill will require the CDC to ask for input from parents, coaches, athletic trainers and other health care professionals to discover new methods to prevent future serious injuries or death.

cut 4  (10)  “this study”

Abraham’s office says since July 1^st, 11 high school football players have died around the country due to reasons related to football, including 16-year-old Tyrell Cameron from Franklin Parish High School. He says a young person shouldn’t lose their life by playing football…

Cut 5  (11)  “local teams”

Abraham says the bill would not impose any new regulations, it only directs existing federal agencies to study the issue and offer recommendations for solutions. He says the goal is to keep kids safe, while playing a game that is supposed to be fun…

Cut 6 (08)  “bill is about”

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A devastating disease of roses caused by the rose rosette virus has been confirmed for the first time in Louisiana. Rose rosette disease was discovered at a commercial landscape in Bossier City. LSU AgCenter “Plant Doctor” Raj Singh says this disease is very deadly to all different kinds of roses…

CUT 7 (06)  “are infected”

He says several different types of symptoms have been reported on infected roses, including “witch’s broom”, excessive thorniness, and abnormal discoloration. Singh says they’re not sure if this disease has spread to other locations in the state…

Cut 8  (08)  “look at it”

He says rose enthusiasts should make themselves aware of the symptoms of rose rosette disease. Singh says while there is cause for concern, you should stay calm if you think your roses are infected…

Cut 9 (07) “drastic action”

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The US House has passed a $325 billion dollar transportation package, and has now formed a conference committee with the Senate so that Congress can compromise on how to fund it. They have until November 20th to complete a report for the President’s desk, when highway funding is set to expire. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is on the compromise committee…:

Cut 10 (11) “for years” 

The highway bill approved by the House calls for spending $261 billion on highways and $55 billion on transit over six years. The Senate passed similar legislation that guaranteed highway funding for three years. Graves says they are pushing programs for upgrades on nationally significant roadways that should be a priority — such as I-10, I-49 and I-12…:

cut 11 (11) “projects”

Graves says the House blocked an amendment that would have raised the 18.4 cent federal gas tax, which funds highways, by 15 cents, because he feels there are other ways to pay for transportation projects…:

Cut 12 (11) “efficiently now”

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During the LSU-Alabama game, Democratic candidate for governor John Bel Edwards unveiled a new TV attack ad accusing Republican opponent David Vitter of answering a prostitute’s call after skipping a vote to honor soldiers killed in the line of duty. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Edwards is on the attack, because internal polls must be showing Vitter is gaining ground…

Cut 13 (03)  “beat him”

The polls on the governor’s race that have been made public, show Edwards with a double-digit lead over Vitter. Pinsonat expects the November 21st race to be tight and the Edwards campaign has decided to go on the offensive…

Cut 14 (10) “from happening”

In 2007, Vitter apologized for a “very serious sin” after his phone records were linked to a Washington DC prostitution ring. The Senator has tried to move on from the scandal during this campaign. Pinsonat says there is a risk when a candidate goes negative against his opponent and we saw that play out in the primary…

Cut 15  (06)  “last week”

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The LSU Tigers are still ranked in the top 10, but their chances of winning the SEC or being involved in the college football playoffs took a serious hit after losing to Alabama 30-16. The Bayou Bengals couldn’t stop Bama running back Derrick Henry, who rushed for 210 yards and three touchdowns, while LSU’s Leonard Fournette rushed for 31 yards. Coach Les Miles on Fournette’s performance…

Cut 16  (20)  “top of us”

LSU is ranked 9th in the latest AP poll. They can still win the SEC West, but the Tigers will have to hope Alabama losses another SEC game and LSU will have to win out. Miles believes his team can rebound to finish the season strong…

Cut 17 (14) “on Monday”

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Disappointing loss for the  Saints on Sunday as they allowed Tennessee to come into the Mercedes Benz Superdome and leave with its 2nd victory of the season. The Titans topped New Orleans 34-28 in overtime. Saints Coach Sean Payton says they made too many mistakes to win…

Cut 18 (13) “from winning”

The Saints led the game for much of the contest. Tennessee tied it with a touchdown in the 4th quarter. And New Orleans had a chance to win it in the final minute, but Kai Forbath’s field goal was block. Payton says just one of many reasons why they lost.

Cut 19 (16) “of areas”