An attorney representing some of the steel mill workers laid off by Bayou Steel in LaPlace this week is questioning whether the company complied with federal law when notifying workers of the layoffs. Attorney Brent Barriere says he’s also working to have the bankruptcy case moved from Delaware to New Orleans.

Cut 4 (12) “…receiving a paycheck.”

The closure led to 376 being left without a job.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed at Fibrebond’s headquarters in Minden this morning that will result in road improvements in the area to keep the  Webster Parish manufacturer in northwest Louisiana. Fibrebond CEO Graham Walker says they have been fighting to stay

Cut 9 (11) “northwest Louisiana”

Campaign finance reports are in for the home stretch of the Governor’s race. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross broke down the numbers with Matt Doyle…

cut  2 (39) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

Vice President Mike Pence is scheduled to visit New Orleans at 1 on Saturday afternoon for a Republican rally for the Governor’s race.

An attorney representing some of the workers laid off by Bayou Steel in LaPlace this week is questioning whether the company complied with federal law when notifying workers of the layoffs.  Attorney Brent Barriere says employees were blindsided by the mass layoff.

Cut 3 (13) “…60 days of pay.”

Barriere says he’s also working to have the bankruptcy case moved from Delaware to New Orleans.

Campaign finance report numbers are out for the period running September 3^rd through September 22^nd and heading into the final stretch Governor Edwards leads the pack with 3.1 million on hand, followed by self-funding Eddie Rispone at 2.7 million, and Ralph Abraham with just 318,000 dollars. Rispone spent 3.5 million in a massive statewide ad blitz that polls show has moved him into second place.

Tomorrow is a big day for LSU Superfan Colton Moore. Today he’s on the road making his way from Odenville, Alabama to meet Coach O. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

A man whose dog died after a carjacking in Baton Rouge in July is donating to help a dog who was found in Slidell early this week with it’s legs sawed off in an alleged animal cruelty case. David Mohr traveled to Mandeville, where the abused dog is recovering, and dropped off two dog beds, a blanket, and dog food alongside a 1,000 dollar check to help the pup’s recovery.

Gumbo Pac and the Republican Governor’s Association are running two of the toughest attack ads of the campaign season with nine days left until voters head to the polls. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

An LSU PHD candidate struck by a vehicle last week on Burbank Drive has died. Baton Rouge Police say no arrests have been made in the death of Binod Nepal, but the case remains under investigation. Nepal is the fourth LSU student to die since the start of the school year.

LSU’s Superfan fan 9-year old Colton Moore lives in Alabama, but today he’s making the road trip of a lifetime with his parents to meet his idol, Coach O. Colton’s mother Jennifer Moore never dreamed this would happen. A photo of Colton who has spina bifida reached the athletic department an invite was sent. LSU fans responded as well.

Cut 7 (08) “…me away.” 

Colton will tour the athletic facility tomorrow and meet his idol Coach O.

The Department of Transportation and Capital Region Planning Commission are conducting a survey to get a better picture of the daily travel habits of motorists in the area.  It’s the first study of it’s kind since the early 90s. Capital Region Planning Commission Executive Director Jamie Setze says thousands throughout five parishes should check their mailbox for an invite to take part.

Cut 10 (11) “…best information available.”

Gumbo Pac and the Republican Governor’s Association are running two of the toughest attack ads of the campaign season with nine days left until voters head to the polls. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_______________________________

Tomorrow is a big day for LSU Superfan Colton Moore. Today he’s on the road making his way from Odenville, Alabama to meet Coach O. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

________________________

A survey of capital region residents will help to prioritize improvements around the Baton Rouge metro area.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

________________________

The Republican Governor’s Association and Gumbo PAC are flush with cash and blanketing the TV airwaves with some of the gubernatorial race’s toughest attack ads.

Edwards aligned Gumbo PAC has dropped millions on the race, and Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says they’ve shifted their fire to the new top polling Republican, who they’ve labeled “Phony Eddie Rispone.”

Cut 4 (10) “…shape”

Gumbo PAC has a new ad out targeting the Baton Rouge businessman’s business dealings.

The RGA has poured money into a strictly anti-Edwards campaign, with its latest salvo seeking to tie the Governor to Georgia Democrat Stacy Abrams. Pinsonat says tying Edwards to the party’s liberal wing is effective.

Cut 5 (11) “…successful.”

Pinsonat says the two have combined to pour over five million dollars into the race.

Cut 6 (11) “…are spending.”

The primary is set for October 12th.

____________________

LSU’s Superfan fan 9-year old Colton Moore lives in Alabama, but today he’s making the road trip of a lifetime with his parents to meet his idol, Coach O. Colton’s mother Jennifer Moore never dreamed this would happen. A photo of Colton who has spina bifida reached the athletic department an invite was sent. LSU fans responded as well.

Cut 7 (08) “…me away.” 

Colton’s family are Auburn fans and he was introduced to the LSU Tigers at the 2017 SEC Baseball Tournament in Hoover, Alabama. The team made such an impression on him and that’s when his allegiance changed. Moore says from then on his focus became LSU.

Cut 8 (08) “…anything LSU.”

Colton lives in Odenville where Auburn and Alabama fans are extremely passionate. Ironically Colton is not alone with his purple and gold pride, his third-grade teacher Casey Burnham is a 2005 graduate along with his pediatrician. Moore also believes Colton is rubbing off on his classmates.

Cut 9 (09)  “…at school.”

Colton will tour the athletic facility tomorrow and meet his idol Coach O. He will also help Coach O with the Tiger Walk on Saturday morning and attend the Utah State game with his parents.

_______________________

The Department of Transportation and Capital Region Planning Commission are conducting a survey to get a better picture of the daily travel habits of motorists in the area.  It’s the first study of it’s kind since the early 90s. Capital Region Planning Commission Executive Director Jamie Setze says thousands throughout five parishes should check their mailbox for an invite to take part.

Cut 10 (11) “…best information available.”

Setze says responses can be submitted online, by telephone or through an app developed for the project.

Cut 11 (10) “…minute to respond.” 

Participants can contribute to the study for one day or for a whole week.  Setze says at the end of the day, the app will ask for more feedback.

Cut 12 (11) “…we’re doing today.”

Louisiana has a $14 billion backlog of transportation needs and the survey will help to prioritize improvements.

_____________________________

The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association is touring the state presenting the annual State of the Industry, including a stop in New Orleans today. LOGA President Gifford Briggs says among the highlights is increasing optimism over Gulf of Mexico drilling.

Cut 13 (10) “…rigs right now.”

Briggs says of the major topics of discussion is the recent $100 million settlement with Freeport MacMoRan, one of the oil companies blamed for damage to coastal wetlands.

Cut 14 (09) “…help our coast.” 

Briggs says the industry is keeping a finger on the pulse of the elections, which may have an impact on the small oil and gas producers of the state.

Cut 15 (09) “…are going on.”

Additional stops for the tour happen next week in Lafayette, Houma, and Baton Rouge.

________________________

The Saints have been able to win with Teddy Bridgewater as their starting quarterback, but Coach Sean Payton says the offense could perform better if it wasn’t for all of the penalties. The o-line has been hit with 12 holding calls over the first four games and Payton blames poor technique

Cut 16  (14) “   honestly” 

Payton also wants to get running back Latavius Murray more involved, who has only touched the ball 21 times in four games…

cut 17  (13) “…offense” 

The Saints will host Tampa Bay this Sunday. Last week the Bucs scored 55 points on the road in a win over the Rams. Payton says quarterback Jameis Winston has some impressive targets to throw too led by Mike Evans

Cut 18 (14)   is impressive” 

____________________________________________

LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson is looking better in practice and could play Saturday against Utah State. Chaisson has missed the last two games because of an ankle injury. Chaisson says the bye week allowed him to get healthier and the defense had a chance to work on some stuff

cut 19 (19)   “more for”   

LSU’s defense has struggled with several starters out with injuries. But Chaisson says injuries shouldn’t be an excuse

cut 20 (22) “a to do”  

There are multiple reports of a man impersonating a police officer, who is pulling over women on Louisiana and Mississippi Highways. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

The Saints will induct Will Smith to the Ring of Honor inside the Mercedes Benz Superdome on Sunday. Smith was a fan favorite and team captain on the Super Bowl team and the former first-round pick had 67.5 sacks during his Saints career. His life ended three years ago when he was shot by a motorist during a traffic dispute in the Lower Garden District.

Republicans appear to be far more motivated to pack the polls this year than they were in 2015, according to an analysis of the first three days of early voting.

Early voting totals are nearly double what they were four years ago, and JMC Analytics publisher John Couvillon says it’s far more Republican as well.

Cut 9 (09) “night”

In 2015 Governor Edwards grabbed 40 percent of the primary vote, while the top three Republicans combined for 57 percent.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is reminding hunters of the importance of tree stand safety. LDWF Hunter Education manager Eric Shanks says a good start is inspecting the functionality of equipment before putting it to use.

Cut 6 (11) “…to replace it.”

35% of falls involve inspection elements.

There’s now three reports of a white male in his 40s allegedly impersonating a police officer and pulling over women on Louisiana and Mississippi highways.  St. Charles Parish Sheriff Captain Donnie Smith says in one of the incidents a woman was pulled over by a black Charger with flashing blue lights. Smith says the man demanded she exit the vehicle, then…

Cut 13 (12) “…search”

After being questioned about his legitimacy the man fled.

Early voting numbers don’t paint a good picture for Governor Edwards. JMC Analytics publisher John Couvillon says Democratic voters appear to be disinterested thanks to Edwards’ attempts to reach out to Republicans, and the primary system.

Cut 11 (10) “the need” 

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is reminding hunters of the importance of tree stand safety with a new campaign. 86% of fall victims did not wear a harness, and LDWF Hunter Education manager Eric Shanks says someone may have gotten away unscathed without taking proper safety precautions, but there is no reason to test fate.

Cut 8 (08) “…in one piece.”

For more information, go to TREE-STAND-SAFETY-AWARENESS-dot-ORG.

A West Monroe woman pistol whips her husband with two plastic nerf guns following a verbal altercation where the she accused her spouse of infidelity.  Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s spokesman Glenn Springfield said they received the call or a domestic altercation from the victim late Monday evening.

Cut 3 (10) “…and facial area.”

Springfield days deputies arrested 40-year-old Anh Thi Pham. 

Voter turnout among Republicans in Louisiana has been heavier the first three days of early voting when you compare them to turnout in 2015, according to JMC Analytics publisher John Couvillon. Couvillon says if these voter demographics hold Governor Edwards will not be able to avoid a run-off, contrary to what recent polls have shown.

Cut 10 (11) “…mid 40s.”

A white male in his 40s with a Chinese symbol tattoo on the back of his neck is allegedly impersonating a police officer and pulling over women on Louisiana highways. Three incidents have been reported so far, one occurring over the weekend near the Bonnet Carre Spillway. St. Charles Parish Sheriff Captain Donnie Smith describes what was reported.

Cut 12 (11) “…out”

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is reminding hunters of the importance of tree stand safety. LDWF Hunter Education manager Eric Shanks says 35% of falls involve inspection elements. Shanks says it is important to stay connected to the tree with a proper harness from the time your feet leave the ground.

Cut 7 (10) “…the whole time.” 

For more information, go to TREE-STAND-SAFETY-AWARENESS-dot-ORG.

LSU running back Lanard Fournette is no longer on the team, according to LSU’s Athletics department. A university spokesperson confirmed the reports that Fournette withdrew from the school this morning. Sources reportedly told ESPN that Fournette “just wants to move on with his life.” Fournette’s brother, Leonard, was LSU’s star running back before being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2017.

Republicans appear to be far more motivated to pack the polls this year than they were in 2015 according to analysis of the first three days of early voting. Early voting totals are nearly double what they were four years ago, and JMC Analytics publisher John Couvillon says it’s far more Republican as well.

Cut 9 (09) “night”

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is reminding hunters of the importance of tree stand safety. LDWF Hunter Education manager Eric Shanks says a good start is inspecting the functionality of equipment before putting it to use.

Cut 6 (11) “…to replace it.”

More than 150 food establishments have been cited since the enforcement of the foreign shrimp and crawfish labeling law began on September 1, with about half of those being restaurants in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans area. Larose Representative Truck Gisclair fought hard for the measure.

Cut 7 (10) “…on the menus.” 

The law is enforced by the Louisiana Department of Health and a citation is consider a minor violation and is not an issue of the food’s safety

LSU has a rare and not tailgate friendly 11 AM kick-off against Utah State this Saturday. But Quarterback Joe Burrow is excited about the morning kick-off

Cut 16  (11) “       favorite part” 

Chevron is awarding up to 375,000 dollars to state teachers in the form of 1,000 dollar grants aimed at building up the STEM experience in Louisiana classrooms. H.L. Bourgeois High Math Teacher Melissa Williamson says it’s a big help because STEM classrooms can be incredibly expensive to maintain due to the need for hands-on work.

Cut 13 (10) “teaching”

If awarded the 1,000-dollar grant can go towards just about anything classroom related.

More than 150 food establishments have been cited since the enforcement of the foreign shrimp and crawfish labeling law began on September 1^st. The law is enforced by the Louisiana Department of Health and a citation is consider a minor violation and are not an issue of the food’s safety. Author of the law, Larose Representative Truck Gisclair says it is about creating transparency for consumers.

Cut 9 (10)  “…into my body.”

Donald Trump endorses both Republicans in the Governor’s race while locally the two have started to tear into each other for the right to take the Governor to a run-off…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

A 2013 LSU grad has the scoop on the dairy-free ice cream market and business is growing. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

_______________________________

More than 150 food establishments have been cited since the enforcement of the foreign shrimp and crawfish labeling law that began on September 1. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

________________________

 Donald Trump endorses both Republicans in the Governor’s race while locally the two have started to tear into each other for the right to take the Governor to a run-off…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________

At Christmas five years ago LSU grad Katelyn Williams came home and told her family she was going to make ice cream. When she learned sister couldn’t have dairy anymore, it spawned what is now Kate’s Ice Cream, a dairy-free, gluten-free ice cream business in Portland, Oregon.

Cut 4 (11) “…ice cream.”

Williams graduated from LSU in 2013. She studied Spanish, psychology, and communications and says she always loved the Dairy Store on campus. Admittedly her first dairy-free ice cream recipes were not ideal, but today they are extremely popular. Williams likes to incorporate local flavors into her creations.

Cut 5 (10) “…ice creamer.”

In addition to coconut milk Williams also uses cashew milk. The ice cream is all plant-based and the line includes basic flavors like vanilla and chocolate. One flavor she created was peaches and cayenne. Williams is from Lafayette after all so a seasoned ice cream seamed natural as well as…

Cut 6 (12) “…great product.”

Williams’ goal is to have nationwide shipping available in a year so her native state can enjoy her dairy-free and gluten-free creations.

____________________

More than 150 food establishments have been cited since the enforcement of the foreign shrimp and crawfish labeling law began on September 1, with about half of those being restaurants in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans area. Larose Representative Truck Gisclair fought hard for the measure.

Cut 7 (10) “…on the menus.” 

Some establishments are anticipating the law will create a hurdle when it comes to seasonal availability. Gisclair says that is something that businesses will have to be prepared for.

Cut 8 (09) “…stockpile domestic seafood.”

The law is enforced by the Louisiana Department of Health and a citation is consider a minor violation and are not an issue of the food’s safety. Gisclair says it is about creating transparency for consumers.

Cut 9 (10)  “…into my body.”

After a violation, LDH provides education on how to fix the problem with a large sign or by paperclipping a notice to menus about the origin of the seafood.

_______________________

President Donald Trump tweets encouragement for Louisiana Republicans to vote for either Ralph Abraham or Eddie Rispone in the gubernatorial primary, calling them both “great”.

While the GOP stresses unity, Eddie Rispone has vaulted past Ralph Abraham for 2^nd place on the back of some tough anti-Abraham attacks. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says Abraham needs to return fire.

Cut 10 (09) “…Republicans.”

On the Republican side, the campaign has been defined by Abraham racking up local endorsements, while Rispone blasts the airwaves with his ten million dollars self-financed warchest.

The state party warned against the kinds of intraparty attacks Rispone is now running, saying it could lead to a second Edwards term. Cross says that’s a serious concern.

Cut 11 (07) “plus one.” 

Recent polls put Governor Edwards in the upper 40s with roughly 15 percent of voters still undecided.

Rispone’s attack ad gambit appears to have paid off in that he’s now the top polling Republican, but Cross says if Edwards dodges a run-off, expect the knives to come out for the Baton Rouge businessman.

Cut 12 (10) “…negative”

Abraham has so far refused to go on the attack, only calling the accusations that he was disloyal to the President a lie.

_____________________________

Chevron is awarding up to 375,000 dollars to state teachers in the form of 1,000 dollar grants aimed at building up the STEM experience in Louisiana classrooms.

H.L. Bourgeois High Math Teacher Melissa Williamson says it’s a big help because STEM classrooms can be incredibly expensive to maintain due to the need for hands-on work.

Cut 13 (10) “teaching”

If awarded the 1,000-dollar grant can go towards just about anything classroom related.

Williamson says the investment from one of the largest energy companies on earth makes sense considering how vital those skills will be in the future.

Cut 14 (12) “…employees” 

Louisiana is an energy economy, and Williamson says emphasizing STEM skills increases the chances they can stay at home and join the local economy after they finish with school.

Cut 15 (08) “…their time”

________________________

LSU has a rare and not tailgate friendly 11 AM kick-off against Utah State this Saturday. But Quarterback Joe Burrow is excited about the morning kick-off

Cut 16  (11) “       favorite part” 

Burrow is having a lot of success because of break out seasons from Ja’Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall. Marshall is now out with an injury, but Chase and his 20-yard average per reception will be looking to catch more passes against the Aggies on Saturday. Burrow says Chase has been impressive…

cut 17  (16) “…I love that” 

Burrow says the bye week was good to get some rest, but don’t expect to see many changes on how the Tigers look to move the ball down the field

Cut 18 (18)      going to see” 

____________________________________________

There’s a lot of excitement surrounding the Pelicans because of the addition of rookie Zion Williamson, veteran sharp shooter JJ Reddick and former Laker standouts Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram. Veteran point guard Jrue Holiday says they are striving to be a playoff team

cut 19 (21)   “training camp”   

Holiday says Williamson is a normal kid, who likes to have fun…

cut 20 (15) “a long