Bayou Country Superfest announced the 8^th annual music festival will be held in New Orleans at the Mercedes Benz Superdome in 2017. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (32) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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More US Senate candidates are airing TV commercials as the November 8 election approaches. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Three strippers are suing the state over the new law that requires dancers in clubs to be at least 21-years-old. Legal analyst Tim Meche doesn’t think the suit will be successful because challenges to the federal drinking age requirement were struck down.

CUT 3 (08)  “certain age”

The suit also claims the law is sexist and would not apply to men because exotic dancers are defined as “entertainers whose breasts or buttocks are exposed to view” in the law. Meche doesn’t think that claim will go far in the courtroom.

CUT 4 (10)  “with that”

The dancers, identified as Jane Doe I, II, and III, allege that the law violates their First Amendment right to free expression, in the form of erotic dance. State Alcohol and Tobacco Control officers plan on enforcing the new law on October 1^st. Meche doesn’t think the dancers will win the law suit.

CUT 5 (03)  “ultimately”

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Political experts say last night’s presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump is one of the most bizarre ever at that level of politics. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says it’s due, in part, to the sharp personal jabs they took at each other. He says there was also an unusual lack of actual substance in the debate:

CUT 6 (10) “each would favor”

Hogan says he doesn’t feel there was a clean winner in the debate, but it seems as though Clinton presented a better case to support her position. He says Trump seemed to have difficulty making his points clear to the public — but he’s staying true to his style…:

CUT 7 (07) “general terms”

Hogan says both candidates played the roles a lot of people anticipated they would. He says they both often cut each other off and, as we’ve seen from Trump in the past, the GOP candidate mostly gave way to rants…:

CUT 8 (10) “that we’ve seen”

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Bayou Country Superfest announces the 8^th annual music festival with be held in New Orleans at the Mercedes Benz Superdome over the 2017 Memorial Day Holiday. Producer and Director of the Superfest Quint Davis says the three-day concert will start with a free and open to the public concert on Friday, May 26^th in Champions Square. He says they want this to be the new country superfest in every way.

CUT 9 (08) “had before”

The lineup and ticket details will be announced on December 1^st. Davis says LSU and Tiger Stadium were always welcoming to the Superfest and will forever be the father of the festival. He says now that the festival is indoors, there is more opportunity to get creative with lighting.

cut 10 (10)  “Tiger Stadium”

Davis says the Superdome was the only other location in that state which could hold over 40-thousand concert-goers. He says visitors have access to more than 35-thousand hotels rooms within walking distance of the festival.

Cut 11 (11) “national event”

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As the November 8 election draws closer, more and more candidates for US Senate are taking their campaigns to the airwaves. State Treasurer John Kennedy aired his first commercial during last night’s Saints game. Jeremy Alford of LaPolitics.com says it was unusual that the ad was a full 60 seconds.

cut 12 (11) “stay on TV”

Alford says the commercials are helping candidates introduce themselves to voters, many for the first time. Republican businessman Abhay Patel airs his first commercial today. Alford says the debates will solidify some positions on policy issues, but that poses a problem in such a crowded field.

Cut 13 (07)  “folks stand”

Republican Congressman John Fleming is also running a new ad. Alford says we’ll likely see more ads from candidates attacking their opponents in the near future. He says Kennedy will likely be a target, given the lead he had in the beginning of the race.

cut 14 (09)  “those loose”

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Many roadways are still lined with debris five weeks after the historic flooding. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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LSU interim head coach Ed Orgeron looks to jump start a passing attack that ranks last in the SEC. Jeff Palermo has the story…

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Former Governor Kathleen Blanco is offering encouragement to flood victims during the difficult rebuilding phase. Jeff Palermo has more…

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Education leaders in Louisiana are looking at ways to improve public education, in compliance with a new federal law that goes into effect next school year. State Superintendent John White says the Every Student Succeeds Act is the first federal education law that’s been passed since 2001, and it requires states to outline a plan for improving education. He says he’s confident Louisiana can make great strides, as long as the students remain the focus of the discussions.

cut 4  (11)  “our state”

During Governor Bobby Jindal’s second term, White was involved in a very public spat with Jindal over Common Core academic standards. White says Louisiana is making strides in education, like improving math and reading test scores among 4^th graders and overall ACT scores. He says better preparing teachers while they are still in college could also have an impact in K-12 classrooms.

Cut 5  (12)  “others are”

White says in the near future, they will draft the framework for a plan to improve education. He says the plan outline will be made available to the public.

Cut 6 (11) “specific ideas”

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Five weeks after the historic flooding in south Louisiana, many people still have debris piled up in their front yards. Spokesperson for the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Mike Steele, says crews have hit the 55-percent mark for completion of debris removal.

CUT 7 (10)  “in August”

Steele says crews have been hard at work for the past several weeks, and it will likely be a few more weeks before all the debris has been removed. He says they are asking the public to be patient.

Cut 8 (11) “get this done”

Steele says they have more crews working now, so hopefully the second half of the cleanup will go faster than the first. He says they are asking people to sort their debris into different categories to make the cleanup process easier.

Cut 9 (10)  “also electronics”

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LSU interim head coach Ed Orgeron promises changes to LSU’s offense. The Tigers rank dead last in the SEC in passing and 12th in the league in total offense. Orgeron says they want to spread the ball around and make the passing game more dynamic….

Cut 10 (07) “throwing it”

Orgeron replaces Les Miles, who was criticized for his antiquated offense that included poor clock management. Coach “O” says he doesn’t want to repeat the mistakes made in the past…

cut 11 (11) “game management”

Orgeron will make his debut as interim head coach on Saturday night when the Tigers take on Missouri. He wants his team to feel strong on Saturday, so he’ll have them on the practice field less during the week…

cut 12 (11) “be excited”

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As thousands of residents in south Louisiana continue to put the pieces of their life back together, it feels to many like this nightmare will never end. But former Governor Kathleen Blanco says one of her biggest takeaways from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita is that people in Louisiana are fighters, and they don’t give up…:

Cut 13 (08) “we love”

Blanco says last night’s game in the Superdome was a reminder about how resilient communities can be, as it was 10 years ago that New Orleans got a rebirth when the facility reopened for the first time since the storm. She says we will recover from this…:

cut 14 (09)  “their lives”

Blanco encourages residents to keep their heads held high, because this too shall pass. She says the “new normal” will be better in many ways…:

Cut 15 (09) “rebuilding”

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For the second consecutive year, the Saints start their season with three consecutive losses. New Orleans lost to Atlanta 45-32 last night. The game started well as the Saints jumped out to a 7-0 lead, but the game turned when De’Vante Harris ran over returner Tommylee Lewis, causing a muffed punt and giving Atlanta the ball on the New Orleans 11-yard line. Coach Sean Payton called it a bad play…

Cut 16  (19)  “seven points”

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 376 yards and three touchdowns. He was intercepted once, which was returned for a touchdown by former LSU Tiger Deion Jones. Brees says his interception and the special teams miscue were big…

Cut 17 (19)  “we lost”

Despite the Saints dismal start, Brees is still optimistic about the team’s playoff chances….

Cut 18 (19) “look out”

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Tonight is the first one on one presidential debate between presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Emelie Gunn has more on what to expect…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva spoke with reporters along with interim Head Coach Ed Orgeron today. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (26)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Presidential candidates, Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump, will duke it out tonight in their first debate. The debate will air from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Central Time. ULM Political Science Professor Dr. Joshua Stockley expects viewers will see the combination of information and typical candidate sparring. He says these are two individuals who recognize the clock is ticking on the campaign and the polls are tight.

CUT 3 (10)  “for Americans”

Stockley says both Trump and Clinton will take shots at each other in an attempt to demonstrate to Americans how the other candidate is unfit…

CUT 4 (08)  “this city”

Stockley says the candidates will likely touch on the recent shootings around the country and the protests that are sparking. He says African Americans and the law enforcement community have some questions to be answered…

CUT 5 (10)  “community”

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A new poll shows it’s a tight race for the open US Senate seat in Louisiana. John Couvillon, with JMC Analytics and Polling, says five candidates have an opportunity to make the runoff as there’s been movement since he surveyed this race in July.

CUT 6 (10) “the field”

The poll paid for by Congressman John Fleming’s campaign shows Congressman Charles Boustany and Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell are tied for the lead at 15-percent, and Fleming and New Orleans attorney Caroline Fayard are just behind them at third and fourth place respectively. Couvillon says former front runner John Kennedy’s numbers have dropped 7 percentage points to 11-percent.

CUT 7 (09) “and so forth”

Couvillon says the poll also found that 25-percent of voters are still undecided, which he says is not surprising.

CUT 8 (08) “ratchet down”

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Former LSU football coach Les Miles said he’s feeling good one day after his firing. Miles was a guest this morning on the “Dan Patrick Show on DirecTV’s Audience.”  Miles says he was told of his firing during a face-to-face meeting with Athletic Director Joe Alleva and the Tigers former head man said he didn’t fight the decision…

CUT 9 (08) “for em”

Miles was the head coach at LSU for 11-plus seasons. He won 77-percent of his games, including a BCS National Championship and two SEC titles. The mad hatter says he’s fortunate to have the opportunity to coach the Tigers…

cut 10 (08)  “entire time”

This Saturday LSU will host Missouri for homecoming. Miles says he may go to Tallahassee to see Florida State play North Carolina. His son, Manny, is a walk-on quarterback for the Tar Heels. During the nearly 10-minute interview, Miles indicated he would like to coach again…

Cut 11 (07) “a coach”

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Alleva spoke with reporters along with interim Head Coach Ed Orgeron today. Alleva said making a change such as this is never an easy one to make, but changes within the program had to take place…:

cut 12 (11) “their lives”

Alleva said Miles is loved by his players because he cares about them as people and he did a great job developing them into fine young men. Alleva said he felt that, at this time, Coach O is the right man to take over the program…:

Cut 13 (08)  “great things ahead of it”

Miles was criticized for not being able to produce an effective offensive line. In his introduction to LSU, Orgeron said there will be changes under his leadership…:

cut 14 (06)  “on offense”

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Tonight’s Saints-Falcons games marks the 10^th anniversary of the reopening of the Mercedes Benz Superdome after Hurricane Katrina. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Congressman Garret Graves has introduced a bill that would get flood insurance claims to people quicker. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Shocked and sad is the reaction from the LSU players over the firing of LSU Head Coach Les Miles and Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Tonight’s Saints-Falcons game marks the 10th anniversary of the Mercedes Benz Superdome reopening after Hurricane Katrina. Former Governor Kathleen Blanco prioritized the repair of the iconic stadium. Blanco says the building’s roof was badly damaged and it was a symbol of despair for New Orleans. The former governor says despite criticism, she knew they could turn the dome into a symbol of victory.

cut 4  (10)  “nasty place”

Blanco says repairing the stadium in nine months rather than the predicted 2 years was a huge endeavor. She says Saints owner Tom Benson promised if they could open the Superdome before the 2006 season, he wouldn’t move the franchise.

Cut 5  (08)  “dire moment”

Blanco faced criticism, as many wondered why fix the Superdome when thousands of people needed help. The former governor says the money could only go into repairs of the building and they received funds from the NFL and FEMA. She says in the end, she received many public apologies.

Cut 6 (10) “or losing”

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Over a month after the historic flooding in south Louisiana, many flood victims are still struggling to recover. Congressman Garret Graves of Baton Rouge has introduced a bill to help future disaster victims get assistance in a timely manner. He says the biggest complaint he’s heard is that it’s taking too long to get money from flood insurance claims.

CUT 7 (10)  “federal program”

Graves’ bill would require the national flood insurance program to make determinations within 30 days of the claim being filed. He says people need this assistance now, and he wants to push this bill through in an expedited process.

Cut 8 (07) “the Congress”

Graves says schools, police and fire departments, and drainage systems are all funded by property taxes. He says if people can’t get their homes repaired quickly, it will cause major problems for the entire community because there will be less tax revenue coming in.

Cut 9 (11)  “public services”

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After 114 wins, a BCS National Championship and two SEC championships, Les Miles is no longer the head coach at LSU. Miles, along with LSU offensive coordinator Cam Cameron were let go, after a bad loss to Auburn to drop their record to 2-2. Safety Jamal Adams says Miles spoke with the team before he left…

Cut 10 (11) “lettin go”

Senior wide receiver Travin Dural of Breaux Bridge says he showed up to a 5:00 meeting and never thought he would be told that Miles was let go….

cut 11 (07) “this program”

South LaFourche High School and Northwestern State grad, Ed Orgeron, takes over as the interim head coach. He was the Tigers defensive line coach and a former head coach at Ole Miss and interim head coach at USC. Dural looks forward to what Coach “O” can bring to the team…

cut 12 (09) “success”

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A new book about the murders of prostitutes in Jefferson Davis parish is surrounded by controversy. Murder in the Bayou by Ethan Brown documents the author’s investigation into the murders of 8 prostitutes between 2005 and 2009. The book alleges that Congressman Charles Boustany may have been involved with the women. Brown, who appeared on the Jim Engster Show, says Boustany’s response to the accusation is included in the book.

Cut 13 (08) “in the book”

The book claims that a staffer at Boustany’s office also worked at the hotel where these women would perform the services. Brown says there is no question that staffer worked at the Boudreaux Inn.

cut 14 (09)  “the staffer”

Brown says a lot of independent media outlets have been reporting the claims against the congressman. He says in all the stories he’s seen, reporters have noted that they have not been able to independently verify the allegations.

Cut 15 (07) “been made”

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The Saints are 0-2 heading into their Monday night matchup with their NFC South rival the Atlanta Falcons. A loss tonight and it will be very difficult for the boys in Black and Gold to make the playoffs. Quarterback Drew Brees is confident this team can string some wins together…

Cut 16  (12)  “this week”

Brees has thrown for nearly 700 yards and 5 touchdowns through two games, but New Orleans has yet to get tight end Coby Fleener involved in the offense. Fleener was signed a free agent in the offseason and has just three catches on the young season. Brees expects Fleener to be a major contributor as the season moves along…

Cut 17 (15)  “come”

The Saints have struggled to convert on 3rd down this season, as they have moved the chains on 3rd down only 7 times on 24 opportunities. Brees on how they can improve that percentage…

Cut 18 (20) “3rd down”

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LSU beat Auburn, but then they didn’t. It turns out Danny Etling’s touchdown pass to DJ Chark never happened, because the Tigers didn’t get the play off, before the clock struck triple zero. After a penalty on the Tigers, there was one second left, when LSU lined up for a potential touchdown pass. Coach Les Miles on what happened…

Cut 19 (15) “I’m told”

Auburn’s 18-13 over LSU leaves the Tigers with a 2-2 record for the first time since 2001. The Bayou Bengals chances of playing in the college football playoffs are dashed and LSU’s continuing problems on offense make it hard to think they can win the SEC West. Miles, whose coaching seat is getting hotter, looks forward to the rest of the season…

Cut 20 (18) ” back end”