The United Cajun Navy offers to stand lookout outside of south Louisiana Synagogues while tensions are high after the Pittsburgh shooting. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A new report shows 14 percent of bridges in Louisiana are structurally deficient, with a need for rehabilitation or possibly even replacement.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

Over a million dollars in drugs were seized in Lafayette in one of the biggest busts in Parish history. The bust led to the arrest of three people and the discovery of 11.9 pounds of methamphetamine, enough for thousands of doses. Lafayette Parish Sheriff Lt. John Mowell says the seizures were made at two locations.

Cut 12 (11)   “…out of.”

He says the majority of the meth was seized at the business location.

A 28-year-old LaPlace man has been charged in a fatal hit and run that occurred on October 20th. Investigators say 55-year-old Danny Simoneaux of LaPlace was  hit by vehicle while walking on L-A 628. L-S-P spokesperson Melissa Matey says they believe Charles Combetta was the man who hit Simoneaux

Cut 9 (08) “…from the public.”

Matey says Combetta not only drove away after striking Simoneaux, he also tried to destroy any evidence.

The United Cajun Navy will provide protection to a few south Louisiana synagogues while tensions are high after the Pittsburgh terror attack on a Jewish congregation. 11 people died in the Saturday morning massacre by alleged shooter Robert Bowers. Media Coordinator Brian Trascher says they are inspired in part by an Islamic donation effort that raised 150,000 dollars for the victims.

Cut 4 (07) “…differences″

Trascher says they will provide an unarmed lookout service to keep an eye out for suspicious behavior around the houses of worship, and report suspicious behavior to the police for the two synagogues who have accepted the offer.

85,000 Louisianans are getting checks from the State treasurer’s office for unclaimed property before the end of the year. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Matt Doyle.” 

Lafayette deputies have seized over one million dollars in drugs, guns and cash.  The Sheriff’s narcotics unit arrested Lafayette drug dealers in one of the largest Methamphetamine seizures in the area’s history.  During the early morning hours of Friday, the SWAT team and Narcotics Deputies executed search warrants on both a residence and a business.

A new report shows 14 percent of bridges in Louisiana are structurally deficient, with a need for rehabilitation or possibly even replacement.  Spokesperson for the transportation research group TRIP, Rocky Moretti, says with precautions are being taken with some bridges in order to extend structural lifespans.

Cut 6 (10) “…can remain open.”

The United Cajun Navy will be providing protection to a few south Louisiana synagogues while tensions are high after the Pittsburgh terror attack on a Jewish congregation. Media Coordinator Brian Trascher says no one will be armed, and they’ll be providing a lookout service to keep an eye out for suspicious behavior around the houses of worship.

Cut 3 (10) “…the ordinary”

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. will host the Louisiana Mental Health Summit today to bring together federal, state, and local leaders to discuss methods to improve mental health care in Louisiana. Cassidy says many sheriffs note local jail is the largest provider of mental health services in most parishes and that puts a strain on communities…

Cut 4 (09) “…consuming taxes.”

LSU are 14 point underdogs against the Crimson Tide this Saturday, in the largest spread against the Tigers at home in 20 years. Despite the Purple and Gold’s two major upset victories against Top Ten teams, Vegas has decided the Bama train will roll on, and easily. Analyst Jimmy Ott says Saban’s Tide has been rolling spreads all year long…

Cut 13 (11)   “…games in”

State treasurer John Schroder says tens of thousands of Louisianans will get a check from the state before the end of the year for unclaimed property that’s been held by the state. The checks will be up to 1,500 dollars. Schroder says they uncovered the money after teaming up with the Revenue Department.
Cut 10 (11)   “…doing more“
If you are owed more than 1,500 dollars, additional verification will be needed before the state will mail you your money.

Today is the last day for early voting in the fall primary election.  To find polling places, you can now use the smartphone app, GeauxVote Mobile.  You can also access a preview ballot before stepping into a polling location.  Speaking of smartphone apps, you can now use the smartphone app LA Wallet as an acceptable form of picture ID, as poll commissioners have received training regarding the new digital license app.  Polling locations close at 6pm today for early voting.  Your next opportunity to vote will be on November 6^th.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy will host the Louisiana Mental Health Summit today. Connor Ferrill has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “I’m Connor Ferrill.” 

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 85,000 Louisianans are getting checks from the State treasurer’s office for unclaimed property before the end of the year. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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LSU are 14 point underdogs against top ranked Bama this Saturday, the largest point spread at home in 20 years.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle..”

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U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. will host the Louisiana Mental Health Summit today to bring together federal, state, and local leaders to discuss methods to improve mental health care in Louisiana. Cassidy says many sheriffs note local jail is the largest provider of mental health services in most parishes and that puts a strain on communities…

Cut 4 (09) “…consuming taxes.”

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will speak at the summit and Cassidy says he is glad to host a federal agency that provides a plethora benefits for the mentally ill…

Cut 5 (11) “…law enforcement.” 

The senator notes lower class citizens often qualify for Medicaid but middle class Americans can struggle with mental health coverage. Cassidy cites Arizona Governor Doug Ducey on how to handle the disparity in coverage…

Cut 6 (12) “…state government.”

The event will take place at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center from 8 AM until 2:30 PM today.

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A new $200 million power plant is coming to Washington Parish with the groundbreaking taking place today.  The facility is a 361-megawatt natural gas-fired peaking power plant in Bogalusa and will be run by Calpine.  Louisiana PSC Commission Chairman Eric Skrmetta says between a growing population and energy needs, as well as other facilities needing an overhaul, the project is a necessity.

Cut 7 (09) “…70 years old.”

Skrmetta says there are many benefits that come with the new facility.

Cut 8 (09) “…the aging fleet.”

Skremetta says the plant is about three times the size of one currently being discussed for New Orleans East.

Cut 9 (09) “…the north shore.”

The plant is expected to be operational in three years.

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State treasurer John Schroder says tens of thousands of Louisianans will get a check from the state before the end of the year for unclaimed property that’s been held by the state. The checks will be up to 1,500 dollars. Schroder says they uncovered the money after teaming up with the Revenue Department.

Cut 10 (11)   “…doing more“

If you are owed more than 1,500 dollars, additional verification will be needed before the state will mail you your money.

Schroder estimates that the state receives about 80 to 90 million dollars a year in unclaimed property or money, and says if you want to make sure you can get access to what is yours, you need to keep your records up to date with the state.

Cut 11 (11)   “…insurance companies.”

Orleans Parish residents are owed 1.1 million dollars, followed by Jefferson at 998 thousand, and East Baton Rouge at 986,000 dollars.

The partnership is the result of 2018 regular session legislation that allows the Revenue Department to share records with Treasury. Schroder says they’re looking for more ways to improve the system to give back the nearly billion dollars in unclaimed resources that the state is not allowed to use for itself.

Cut 12 (09)  “…900 million dollars.”

To see if you are owed money, drop by latreasury.com

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LSU are 14 point underdogs against the Crimson Tide this Saturday, in the largest spread against the Tigers at home in 20 years. Despite the Purple and Gold’s two major upset victories against Top Ten teams, Vegas has decided the Bama train will roll on, and easily. Analyst Jimmy Ott says Saban’s Tide has been rolling spreads all year long…

Cut 13 (11)   “…games in”

The Tigers were seven point underdogs when they crushed Georgia 36-16, and 10 point underdogs when they squeaked out a 22-21 win over Auburn.

That being said, Bama hasn’t played anyone this year ranked 39^th or above in RPI, while the Tigers have played five teams with better ratings, only losing to one. Ott says he’d shy away from the game, because it’s tough to make an educated prediction when the favored team hasn’t played anyone.

Cut 14 (07)   “…as well”

Ott says the game is notable for another subplot, the absence in the first half of linebacker Devin White. He says usually it takes the absence of a quarterback to effect Vegas’s predictions, but this time the peculiar circumstances of White’s first half suspension has led to a shifting in the line.

Cut 15 (08)   “…one point”

The game kicks off at 7pm at Tiger Stadium.

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After making a trip home to Ohio during the bye weekend, Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow is ready his first taste of the LSU-Alabama rivalry. He goes into this game unafraid…

Cut 16 (14) “.ready to go”

LSU has lost seven straight to Alabama. In each of those game, Alabama’s quarterback has outplayed the Tigers signal caller. Coach Ed Orgeron says Burrow goes into Saturday night’s Top 5 match-up a confident player…

Cut 17 (20)  “not panic”

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagvailoa has been playing at a different level this season is a front-runner to win the Heisman Trophy. Orgeron says it will take a team effort to slow Tua down and it starts with the defensive line playing great technique…

Cut 18 (18) “…them down yet” 

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At two o’ clock on Saturday, ULM will hsot 7-and-1 Georgia Southern. The Eagles run the option, averaging 276 yards on the ground. Coach Matt Viator is hoping for a big  and loud crowd at Malone Stadium to watch his team take on the best team in the Sun Belt…

Cut 19 (24) “.for sure” 

ULM is 4-4, 2-2 in the Sun Belt and tied with the Ragin Cajuns for first place in the West Division. But Viator says there hasn’t been much talk about being in first place…

Cut 20 (16) “really” 

The November 6^th ballot includes an amendment that allows voters to decide whether or not convicted felons should be allowed to run for office right out of prison. The number one amendment option would bar felons from elected or appointed office for five years after their sentence. Public Affairs Research Council Louisiana President Robert Scott says we’ve had that law in the past, but…

Cut 3 (09) “…presented”

According to a recent report, 56% of all occupants who died in a crash did not use a safety belt. Executive Director of Statistical Analysis at the Highway Safety Research Group Helmut Schneider says the research has found a particular demographic that is the most likely to neglect seatbelts.

Cut 7 (10)  “don’t buckle up.”

Medical Marijuana in Louisiana has been pushed back from the distributors hoped-for launch date of late this year, to early next year as the grower, GB Sciences, its partner, LSU, and the Ag Department iron out the last regulatory details. New Iberia Senator Fred Mills says at the point they’ll be producing quite a bit of CBD in pill and oil form…

Cut 10 (05) “…of medication.”

An active duty member of the security forces at Barksdale Air Force Base is dead.  Initially, Eduardo Ramos Jr. lost control of his vehicle and collided with an overpass bridge rail Saturday night.  When another drive stopped to help, both vehicles were then struck by an oncoming truck. LSP spokesperson Scott Moreau says the investigation is continuing into which impact was fatal to Ramos as he fell from the overpass.

Cut 14 (04) “…from the toyota.”

Should convicted felons be allowed to run for office right out of jail? Voters will get to decide November 6th. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Medical Marijuana in Louisiana has been pushed back from the distributors hoped-for launch date of late this year, to early next year as the grower, GB Sciences, its partner, LSU, and the Ag Department iron out the last regulatory details. New Iberia Senator Fred Mills says the next step is in mid-November, where…

Cut 9 (09) “…launch date.”

According to a recent report, 56% of all occupants who died in a crash did not use a safety belt. Executive Director of Statistical Analysis at the Highway Safety Research Group Helmut Schneider says despite the threat of legal ramifications, some people are just continuing to hold out on buckling up.

Cut 6 (11)  “don’t buckle up.”

An active duty member of the security forces at Barksdale Air Force Base is dead.  Initially, Eduardo Ramos Jr. lost control of his vehicle and collided with an overpass bridge rail Saturday night.  When another drive stopped to help, both vehicles were then struck by an oncoming truck.  Ramos then got out of his vehicle and fell of the overpass. LSP spokesperson Scott Moreau says investigators feel Ramos may not have been suitable to drive at the time.

Cut 13 (06) “…dead at the scene .“

LSU-Alabama game week has arrived as the Tigers look for their first win over the top ranked Crimson Tide since 2011. LSU rested up during the bye week and Coach Ed Orgeron says starting offensive guard Garrett Brumfield should be able to play after being out for more than a month with a knee injury…

cut 30 (20) “>…Lloyd”

Kick-off is at 7:05 PM.

For the second straight game, Pelicans All-Star Anthony Davis will not play tonight because of a bad elbow. He didn’t play in Saturday’s loss to Utah. The Pels start a five-game road trip tonight against Denver. Both teams are 4-1 and tip time is  8:00.

After a big win on Sunday night against Minnesota, New Orleans now gets ready to play the undefeated the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday afternoon in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Last night, the Black and Gold beat the Vikings 30-20. Two big turnovers in this game, a forced fumble in the second quarter and PJ Williams returned an interception for a touchdown. New Orleans has won six in a row, and they are 6-1 on the season.

The big NFL news today is that the Browns have fired head coach Hue Jackson. Former Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is the interim coach

And Ryan Fitzpatrick is back as the starting quarterback down in Tampa.

It was a good weekend for Louisiana football teams, Louisiana Tech, UL Lafayette, McNeese, Nicholls, Northwestern State, Southern and Grambling all won.

Grambling won in overtime over Arkansas-Pine Bluff as Geremy Hickbottom threw three touchdown passes including the game-winner.

McNeese leads the Southland Conference after defeating Central Arkansas 23-21. The Cowboys are 5-1 in league play, Nicholls is one of four teams tied for second place with a 4-2 record.

Should convicted felons be allowed to run for office right out of jail? Voters will get to decide November 6th. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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According to a recent report, 56% of all occupants who died in a crash did not use a safety belt.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

Medical Marijuana in Louisiana has been pushed back from the distributors hoped for launch date of late this year, to early next year as the grower, GB Sciences, its partner, LSU, and the Ag Department finish the startup process. New Iberia Senator Fred Mills says his constituents have been waiting anxiously for the treatment.

Cut 11 (10) “…of people.”

The November 6^th ballot includes an amendment that allows voters to decide whether or not convicted felons should be allowed to run for office right out of prison. The number one amendment option would bar felons from elected or appointed office for five years after their sentence. Public Affairs Research Council Louisiana President Robert Scott describes the argument against…

Cut 4 (08) “…of this″

Early voting for the November election ends tomorrow.

According to a recent report, 56% of all occupants who died in a crash did not use a safety belt.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

An active duty member of the security forces at Barksdale Air Force Base is dead following a series of events that occurred as the result of his wrecking his vehicle into bridge rail.  LSP spokesperson Scott Moreau says a painful series of events led to Eduardo Ramos’s death.

Cut 12 (10)   “…collided with him.”