The world champion little league team from suburban New Orleans is back in town following their triumphant run that was capped with a 8-0 final win over Curacao. U.S. House Minority Whip and Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise says the team is one the state can be proud of.

Cut 3 (10) “…fun to watch.”

President Trump has extended an invitation for the team to visit the White House.

Researchers are testing the boundaries of just how far north sugarcane can grow at the Dean Lee Research Center outside Alexandria. Currently, the farthest north commercial sugarcane is grown is in Lecompte, a few miles south of Dean Lee. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Ken Gravois says it’s remarkable it’s moved that far inland…

Cut 8 (12) “…varieties.”

Sugarcane prices are considered more stable than grain and soybeans.

A Caddo Parish first-grader admits to starting a church fire in Vivian. The child told investigators he found a lighter in the parking lot, and played around with it after sneaking into a closed church. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the child insisted on having no ill will or issues with the church or its congregation.

Cut 10 (08) “…matches and lighters.”

Due to the suspect’s age, no arrest was made.

State Police believe an impaired driver caused a wreck that killed a motorcyclist from Vidalia early Sunday morning in Concordia Parish. Trooper Scott Moreau says 63-year-old Veria Coleman of Jonesville crossed the center line on U-S Highway 84 and hit a couple of motorcyclists

Cut 12 (10) “…the motorcycles”

The deceased motorcyclist is identified as 22-year-old Cody McClung. There were five additional injuries and they were transported to an area hospital.

The Dean Lee Research Center outside Alexandria is now the farthest location north for sugar cane planting in the world as scientists try to test the limits of the cash crop. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Ken Gravois says more and more farmers are growing interested in the crop in central Louisiana and elsewhere away from the coast.

Cut 6, 11 seconds, Alexandria

The objective is to study how the crop endures hard freezes more common in central Louisiana.

The Eastbank Little League World Champions are traveling back to New Orleans today on the heels of their 8-0 win over Curcao, and are expecting a welcoming celebration at the Shrine on Airline this afternoon.  Assistant coach Kevin Johnson says the victory hasn’t really sunk in and had an effect on the team yet.

Cut 4 (10) “…to get home.”

 President Trump has extended an invitation for the team to visit the White House following the 8-0 shutout in the championship game. 

The 18-year-old who caused a fiery, fatal crash in Baton Rouge last month is now in the care of the state mental health hospital after a ruling from a judge. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

For the first time ever a team from Louisiana has won the Little League World Series. Matt Doyle has more on the squad from suburban New Orleans…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The 18-year-old who caused a fiery, fatal crash in Baton Rouge last month is now in the care of the state mental health hospital after a ruling from a judge. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Governor Edwards commits $85 million toward a new Lake Charles I-10 bridge. Brooke Thorington has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The libertarian Reason Foundation highway system study ranks Louisiana’s highways 34^th in the nation in overall cost-effectiveness and condition.

The middle of the road ranking results from near-bottom rankings in overall road and bridge quality, but high rankings for low state road spending per mile. Annual Highway Report lead author Baruch Feigenbaum (Bar-ook Fee-gan-baum)…

Cut 4 (12) “…efficient.”

Louisiana ranked 24^th in maintenance disbursements per mile, 6^th in administrative disbursements per mile, and 17^th for total disbursements per mile.

The state’s low total road conditions rankings are broken down into four measures, including rural/urban road quality breakdowns. Feigenbaum says the state’s road quality is bleak.

Cut 5 (10) “…problem”

Louisiana also ranked 44^th worst for structurally deficient bridges.

On top of its poor road condition, the report also ranked Louisiana’s roads the 4^th most deadly in the nation. Feigenbaum says increased law enforcement could help that, along with road restructuring.

Cut 6 (09) “…practices.”

Louisiana may be the 33^rd largest state by total land area, but the report says it contains the 12^th largest highway system in the nation.

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A woman and toddler were killed in St. Landry Parish early Sunday after their Nissan Maxima was struck by a Ram 2500.

State Police Trooper Thomas Gossen says 35-year-old Lacy Leger of Sunset and her two-year-old passenger were traveling along the I-49 service road around 1:30 AM when a suspected drunk driver crossed the center line…

Cut 7 (11)“…the side”

A 16-year-old passenger in the Nissan survived the crash but was seriously injured.

48-year-old Michael Guidry, who drove the truck, was not restrained and suffered minor injuries. Gossen says those riding in the Nissan were not so lucky.

Cut 8 (06) “force”

The rear seat two-year-old was buckled-in in a child seat, but Gossen says new laws require that kids abide by a stricter set of rules when it comes to what kind of seat can be used.

Cut 9 (11) “…possible”

Charges are currently pending in the case.

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The 18-year-old who intentionally caused a fatal crash in Baton Rouge, saying God instructed him to take his own life, has been ordered by a judge to seek help at the state mental hospital.  Jack Jordan’s attorney James Manasseh says three doctors have all evaluated his client and have come to the same conclusion.

Cut 10 (10) “…his own defense.”

Last month, Jordan was booked on second-degree murder in the death of Stephanie Payne following the wreck that saw Jordan plow into her vehicle going at least ninety miles per hour.  Manasseh says the goal is to have his client’s competency restored for trial.

Cut 11 (10) “…case can proceed.” 

Manasseh says his client made good grades in school and didn’t have a troubled history, adding that mental illness isn’t as easy to treat as other ailments.

Cut 12 (10) “…quite as easily.”

Jordan’s next court appearance is November 21^st.
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Governor Edwards announces a commitment of $85 million toward the replacement of the I-10 Calcasieu Bridge in Lake Charles. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says this comes in response to President Trump’s promise earlier this year to have the federal money foot the bill in having the bridge replaced.
Cut 13 (11) “…soon as possible.”

The funds are being put into place when the feds determine how much of the project they will cover. Wilson says all transportation infrastructure has a life span and this bridge is older than the interstate system itself.

Cut 14 (08) “call it the interstate.”

Wilson says despite the need for a new bridge, the current bridge is still safe.

Cut 15 (09) “…bridge we have.”

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The Saints have one more preseason game to play before they start the regular season. They ran their preseason record to 2-and-1 on Saturday with a 28-13 win over the New York Jets. Drew Brees threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Michael Thomas and Deonte Harris returned a punt 78-yards for a touchdown. The defense held the Jets to 300 total yards. Coach Sean Payton liked what he saw…

Cut 16  (17) “…touchdown”   

Brees only played in one series, which resulted in a touchdown, and he’ll likely not play on Thursday. So that means a total of eight players in preseason game action, but Payton is not concerned…

cut 17 (18) “…sharp tonight” 

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The Eastbank Little League team from suburban New Orleans are Little League World Series champs. The team from Louisiana easily handled Curacao 8 to 0 to win the 2019 title  It’s the first time a team from Louisiana won the Little League World Series and they did so by coming out of the loser’s bracket, after losing their first game after they arrived in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Head Coach Scott Frazier says his guys would not be denied…

Cut 18 (14) “…anyway” 

The squad from River Ridge won the U-S Final with a 9-5 win over Hawaii on Saturday. Frazier says the journey was unbelievable…

 cut 19 (24)   “my life” 

After spending several weeks  on the road, the team is ready for a hero’s welcome in the Bayou State. Frazier says the kids deserve it…

cut 20 (18) “be great” 

Services are being held in Lafayette for former governor Kathleen Blanco this morning at St. John the Evangelist Cathedral. Mass is underway with her funeral to follow. Visitation was held beforehand where hundreds gathered to pay their respects to Louisiana’s first and only female governor. A private burial will be held this afternoon.

Southwest Louisiana is under a flash flood watch until seven o’clock tonight.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says thunderstorms and showers will be sporadic and unpredictable across the southern part of the state this weekend. Keim says you shouldn’t lock yourself indoors for the weekend, but don’t any big outdoor plans.

Cut 8 (05) “…inside.”

On the Brightside the rain should help keep temperatures down. As for the northern part of the state the chance of rain is minimal. And temperatures will reach into the 90s.

Louisiana Key Academy in Baton Rouge will be featured on Sunday Morning with Jane Pauley. It will focus on the school’s teaching method for dyslexia. Academy Principal Heather Bourgeois hopes the segment will encourage further advocacy of following the template set by the public charter school.

Cut 4 (10) “…get the best.”

The show airs tomorrow at 8AM.

In Baton Rouge American Idol is holding open auditions they are hoping to find another Laine Hardy. Senior Supervising Producer with American Idol Patrick Lynn says come prepared with three songs: a show-stopper, a ballad, and a more contemporary tune, and don’t bore the judge get straight to the chorus.

Cut 9 (11) “good”

Auditions are from 9 to 5 at the Hilton Capitol Center.

Visitation is underway in Lafayette for former Governor Kathleen Blanco at St. John the Evangelist Cathedral. At 10:30 Mass will be held and her funeral will follow. Friends and family members of Blanco will deliver eulogies.  Afterwards there will be a private family burial. Hundreds paid their respects Thursday at the state capitol rotunda. She was 76.

Louisiana Key Academy in Baton Rouge will receive the national spotlight when it is featured on the CBS Sunday Morning Show with Jane Pauley. The segment will focus on dyslexia and the school’s educational model to accommodate children. Academy Principal Heather Bourgeois…

Cut 3 (11) “…their full potential.”

A production team visited during the last school year and Bourgeois says parents are excited to see the final product.

American Idol is holding open auditions in Baton Rouge Sunday just one season after Laine Hardy became the first Louisianan to win the competition. Senior Supervising Producer with American Idol Patrick Lynn says anyone between the ages of 15-28 can audition and to be sure to make the most of your moment.

Cut 10 (08) “…TV”

The auditions are from 9 to 5.

But this afternoon River Ridge’s Eastbank All-Star Little League team is in the spotlight. They are the first team from the state to ever make it to the US Final of the Little League World Series. They play Hawaii at 2:30 this afternoon on ESPN.

And the Saints play their third preseason game tonight against the Jets in New York. The official season for the Saints is sixteen days away and they kickoff the first Monday Night Football of the Season against the Texans at the Dome.

In Lafayette visitation is underway for former Governor Kathleen Blanco at St. John the Evangelist Cathedral. Visitation ends at 10 and then at 10:30 Mass, and her funeral will begin. Afterwards there will be a private family burial.  Blanco, served one term as governor and has the distinction of being the only female governor in Louisiana. She was 76 years old.

Southwest and central Louisiana are under a flash flood watch this morning. The entire state could see one to three inches of rain before the weekend is over as a tropical wave passes through the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the threat of severe weather is minimal and even less than minimal the further north you go, but we certainly will see a good number of showers.

Cut 6 (09) “…northward.”

Keim says the showers should keep the mercury from rising, by keeping temperatures in the 80s.

A Baton Rouge public charter school for children with dyslexia will be featured on CBS this weekend. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “..I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Also on CBS, tonight at 6:30 the Saints take on the Jets in New York in their 3^rd preseason game. Then they are back home to play Miami Thursday in the Dome. The last preseason game against the Dolphins will be broadcast on CBS, beginning at 7 o’clock.  The official season is sixteen days away for the Saints. They’ll kickoff the first the Monday Night Football for the Season as they take on the Houston Texans at home.

A heartfelt goodbye was given to Fox 8 TV anchor Nancy Parker, who died last week in a plane crash. Jeff Palermo reports there was not a dry eye at Xavier University’s Convocation Center in New Orleans…

cut  2 (31) I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Southwest and central Louisiana will be under a flash flood watch starting early Saturday morning through that evening and Louisiana as a whole will see one to three inches of rain starting today and running through the weekend as a tropical wave passes through the state.

American Idol is holding open auditions at the Baton Rouge Hilton this Sunday just a season after Livingston’s Laine Hardy became the first Louisianan to win the competition. Senior Supervising Producer with American Idol Patrick Lynn says come prepared with three songs: a show-stopper, a ballad, and a more contemporary tune, and don’t bore us, get to the chorus, adding everyone is welcome to show up and perform.

Cut 11 (05) “to lose” 

This will be the program’s 18^th season.

Baton Rouge Police arrest a teenager in the fatal shooting of his mother’s boyfriend during a domestic dispute. Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says 36-year-old Michael Allen was found dead in his Scotlandville home earlier this month and McKneely says it appears the suspect fired shots into the home from outside.

Cut 13 (11) “…as a result.”

A Baton Rouge public charter school for children with dyslexia will be featured on CBS this weekend.

Cut 1 (30) “..I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A flash flood warning has been issued for southwest and south-central Louisiana starting early Saturday morning, running through Saturday evening. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we may get soaked, but there’s a glass half full version…

Cut 7 (08) “…the 80′s”

Rainy weather will blanket most of the state through Sunday.

Baton Rouge Police arrest a teenager in the fatal shooting of his mother’s boyfriend during a domestic dispute. Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says 36-year-old Michael Allen was found dead in his Scotlandville home earlier this month and during the investigation, authorities brought in the 16-year-old suspect for questioning.

Cut 12 (05) “…Mr. Allen’s death”

The suspect’s identity is being concealed due to being a minor. 

American Idol is holding open auditions at the Baton Rouge Hilton this Sunday just a season after Livingston’s Laine Hardy became the first Louisianan to win the competition. Senior Supervising Producer with American Idol Patrick Lynn says show up with three songs ready, but know it’s not just about the quality of your pipes…

Cut 10 (08) “…TV”

The auditions begin at 9 AM

Louisiana Key Academy in Baton Rouge will be featured on the CBS Sunday Morning Show for it’s excellence in work with dyslexic students. Academy Principal Heather Bourgeois hopes the segment will encourage further advocacy of following the template set by the public charter school.

Cut 4 (10) “…get the best.”

The show airs Sunday at 8AM.

Louisiana will see one to three inches of rain starting today and running through the weekend as a tropical wave passes through the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the threat of severe weather is minimal and even less than minimal the further north you go, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be free to plan outdoor activities with impunity.

Cut 6 (09) “…northward.”

Expect temperatures in south Louisiana to sit in the 80s.

Baton Rouge Police arrest a teenager in the fatal shooting of his mother’s boyfriend during a domestic dispute. Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says following the shooting, it appears the body was left in the home for several days before begin discovered by authorities.

Cut 14 (10) “…to the residence.”

It’s believed the unnamed teenager fired several shots into 36-year-old Michael Allen’s home.

American Idol is holding open auditions at the Baton Rouge Hilton this Sunday just a season after Livingston’s Laine Hardy became the first Louisianan to win the competition. Senior Supervising Producer with American Idol Patrick Lynn says come prepared with three songs: a show-stopper, a ballad, and a more contemporary tune, and…

Cut 9 (11) “good”

The auditions begin at 9 AM.

A Baton Rouge public charter school for children with dyslexia will be featured on CBS this weekend. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “..I’m Kevin Barnhart”

____________________________________

A heartfelt goodbye was given to Fox 8 TV anchor Nancy Parker, who died last week in a plane crash. Jeff Palermo reports there was not a dry eye at Xavier University’s Convocation Center in New Orleans…

cut  2 (31) I’m Jeff Palermo”  

________________________________________

Louisiana Key Academy in Baton Rouge will receive the national spotlight when it is featured on the CBS Sunday Morning Show with Jane Pauley. The segment will focus on dyslexia and the school’s educational model to accommodate children that face that hurdle. Academy Principal Heather Bourgeois…

Cut 3 (11) “…their full potential.”

A production team visited during the last school year and the Bourgeois says parents are excited to see the final product. Bourgeois hopes the segment will encourage further advocacy of following the template set by the public charter school.

Cut 4 (10) “…get the best.”

Bourgeois says it is important to diagnose dyslexia early in an effort to spearhead stigmas and ensure better outcomes.

Cut 5 (11) “…great big world.”

The show airs Sunday at 8AM.

_____________________________

Southwest and central Louisiana will be under a flash flood watch starting early Saturday morning through that evening and Louisiana as a whole will see one to three inches of rain starting today and running through the weekend as a tropical wave passes through the state.

State Climatologist Barry Keim says the threat of severe weather is minimal and even less than minimal the further north you go, but we certainly will see a good number of showers.

Cut 6 (09) “…northward.”

Up to four inches of rain could fall in southwest Louisiana.

We may get soaked but Keim says there’s a glass half full way to look at the upcoming rainy weekend.

Cut 7 (08) “…the 80′s”

He says north Louisiana will not be so lucky, with limited cloud coverage keeping temperatures in the 90s.

Keim says thunderstorms and showers will be sporadic and unpredictable, so while you shouldn’t lock yourself in for the weekend, don’t plan any big outdoor parties.

Cut 8 (05) “…inside.”

______________________________________

American Idol is holding open auditions at the Baton Rouge Hilton this Sunday just a season after Livingston’s Laine Hardy became the first Louisianan to win the competition.

Senior Supervising Producer with American Idol Patrick Lynn says come prepared with three songs: a show-stopper, a ballad, and a more contemporary tune, and don’t bore us, get to the chorus.

Cut 9 (11) “good”

This will be the program’s 18^th season.

Lynn wants contestants to keep in mind that it’s not all about the quality of your pipes, they’re looking for stars who can do more than just sing.

Cut 10 (08) “…TV”

The auditions begin at 9 AM in the morning and run through 5 PM, and Lynn says everyone is welcome to show up and perform.

Cut 11 (05) “to lose” 

_______________________

Baton Rouge Police arrest a teenager in the fatal shooting of his mother’s boyfriend during a domestic dispute. Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says 36-year-old Michael Allen was found dead in his Scotlandville home earlier this month and during the investigation, authorities brought in the 16-year-old suspect for questioning.

Cut 12 (05) “…Mr. Allen’s death”

The suspect’s identity is being concealed due to being a minor.  McKneely says it appears the suspect fired shots into the home from outside.

Cut 13 (11) “…as a result.”

McKneely says following the shooting, it appears the body was left in the home for several days before begin discovered by authorities.

Cut 14 (10) “…to the residence.”
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