Senator Bill Cassidy has made a statement following the arrest of a Florida man who is suspected on sending out suspicious packages to various politicians and CNN, saying  politicians have a responsibility to be cautious with their words as they have the ability to make an impact on those that are, as he puts it, not quite right.

Cut 13 (10) “…take it literally.“

Authorities have identified the suspect as Cesar Sayoc.

A Buckeye elementary school teacher has been arrested for possession of alcohol on public school property after an assistant principal noticed she was displaying odd behavior. Captain Tommy Carnline, with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office says they still aren’t sure why this teacher traded in her apple for grapes.

Cut 10 (06) “…to go home.”

Carnline says upon investigating the teacher’s classroom, they found a partially consumed bag of wine.

An infant is dead and the mother of the child is in jail.  This comes after a call of the woman being passed out on top of the child.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

Over the last eleven days, three adults and four children have lost their lives in six different fires across the state.  State Fire Marshal spokesperson, Ashley Rodrigue says there is a free option in the event that your home needs smoke detectors.

Cut 7 (08)  “…installations in homes.”

Last year saw above average numbers of fire related deaths in winter.

Northeast Louisiana music legend Tony Joe White has passed away. Jeff Palermo looks back at the impact White had on the music industry and his hometown…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Senator Bill Cassidy has made a statement following the arrest of a Florida man who is suspected on sending out suspicious packages to various politicians and CNN, saying there is no place in American politics for physical threats and violence.

Cut 12 (12)   “…we are Americans.”

A Buckeye elementary school teacher has been arrested for possession of alcohol on public school property after an assistant principal noticed she was displaying odd behavior. Captain Tommy Carnline, with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office says witnesses saw 43-year-old Shannon Beran was moving slowly and awkwardly during car pickup duty…

Cut 9 (06) “…definitely a problem.”

Investigators say they found a partially consumed bag on wine in the classroom.

Over the last eleven days, three adults and four children have lost their lives in six different fires across the state.  The State Fire Marshal is reminding you of a very important message that could mean the difference in life and death.  Agency spokesperson, Ashley Rodrigue…

Cut 6 (12)  “…not an excuse.”

Rodrigue says the Fire Marshal has a program for those that cannot afford fire alarms or their installation.

A rematch of last year’s memorable NFC Divisional playoff game between the Saints and tje Vikings takes place Sunday night at U-S Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The Saints bring a five-game winning streak into the game, while the Vikings have won three in a row. During the win streak, Minnesota’s defense has forced eight turnovers, allowed just five touchdowns and opponents have only converted on 4 of 32 third down opportunities. Saints running back Mark Ingram says they will need to play well to win….

Cut 17 (18)  “where to be”

And the Bulldogs are riding high are a 21-13 win over Florida Atlantic in last night’s unusual Friday game. Tech is is now 6 and 2 on the year after Quarterback J’mar Smith had a clean game with 217 passing yards, one TD, and no picks, and running back Jaqwis Dancy went for 116 yards on the ground and one touchdown. Tech faces Mississippi State next week.

The Pelicans stay undefeated after a squeaker 127-115 in the big easy against Brooklyn. They are 4 and 0 on the back of a balanced team outing that didn’t see any player crack 30 points, and only guard Jrue Holiday go over 20. The Brow had a rough night on offense, only putting up 18 points on 19 total shots, but he did manage to come down with 14 boards and 5 blocks.

The Ragin Cajuns are home tonight to host Arkansas State. A win and UL-Lafayette gets back to 4-4 on the season. Southern plays Jackson State at 6PM, and ULM has the week off. Southeastern Louisiana takes on Sam Houston at 1pm.

Big news on the high school recruiting front, Destrehan’s John Emery has de-committed from Georgia. He’s considered one of the nation’s top running backs and attended the LSU game when the Tigers upset Georgia.

Former star LSU Cornerback, and current NFL All-Pro Patrick Peterson’s trade rumors were tamped down a bit, as Cardinals GM Steve Keim told reporters that he will not be trading the lockdown star. His Team, the Cardinals are 1 and 6, which promted rumors that he was looking for a way out.

The explosives unit of the Baton Rouge Police department was on the scene in Denham Springs.  The Advocate reports that state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies blocked off an area near the “American Coachworks” business.

According to WBRZ the area was blocked off Friday afternoon around 3 pm.

American Coachworks is described as a full service towing agency located at the 8300 block of Lockhart Road in Denham Springs.

Other agencies taking part include: the FBI New Orleans Field Office, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s office and the Louisiana State Police.

Over the last eleven days, three adults and four children have lost their lives in six different fires across the state.

The State Fire Marshal is reminding you of a very important message that could mean the difference in life and death. Agency spokesperson, Ashley Rodrigue…

Cut 6 (12) “…not an excuse.”

Rodrigue drew attention to “Operation Save A Life” which is a partnership between the State Fire Marshal and local fire departments that can offer installation of smoke detectors in homes at no cost.

Northeast Louisiana music legend Tony Joe White has passed away. Jeff Palermo looks back at the impact White had on the music industry and his hometown…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”.

A rematch of last year’s memorable NFC Divisional playoff game between the Saints and tje Vikings takes place Sunday night at U-S Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

That’s where the Black and Gold’s season ended last year thanks to a miraculous touchdown pass.

The Saints bring a five-game winning streak into the game, while the Vikings have won three in a row.

Senator Bill Cassidy has made a statement following the arrest of a Florida man who is suspected on sending out suspicious packages to various politicians and CNN.

Cassidy said there is no place in American politics for physical threats and violence.

Cut 12 (12) “…we are Americans.”

Authorities identified the suspect as Cesar Sayoc junior, who has been taken into custody in connection with the mail-bomb scare.

The Saints have a chance at redemption on Sunday night when they visit the Minnesota Vikings.

Minnesota delivered a heart breaking loss to New Orleans in the playoffs last season scoring on a 61-yard touchdown pass on the final play of the game.

Quarterback Drew Brees says he’s moved on from that game but knows the Vikings still have a tough defense…

Cut 14 (11) “…that defense”

The game will be broadcast on the NBC television network on Sunday night.

An infant is dead and the mother of the child is in jail. This comes after a call alerting authorities that a woman was passed out on top of a child. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Strange behavior of a teacher at Buckeye elementary school led to an arrest. Shannon Beran, age 43 was arrested for possession of alcohol on public school property.

Captain Tommy Carnline, with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office says upon investigating the teacher’s classroom, they discovered a container of alcohol that had been partially consumed.

Cut 11 (07) “…a wine bag.”

An assistant principal had noticed Beran’s unusual behavior at car pick up duty at the school.

Hit songwriter and guitarist Tony Joe White from West Carroll Parish has died suddenly at the age of 75 from a heart attack.

White was born on a cotton farm near Oak Grove and is best known for writing the 1969 hit “Polk Salad Annie” and “Rainy Night in Georgia.”

Oak Grove native Harriet Monroe Miller says White would often come back to his hometown

Cut 3 (10) “…all of us.

Tony Joe White continued to tour as recently as 2016 for fans in the United States and played a concert tour in Austrailia in 2014 as well.

A Buckeye elementary school teacher has been arrested for possession of alcohol on public school property after an assistant principal noticed she was displaying odd behavior.

Captain Tommy Carnline, with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office says witnesses saw 43-year-old Shannon Beran was moving slowly and awkwardly during car pickup duty…

Cut 9 (06) “…definitely a problem.”

A search of the teacher’s classroom turned up a bag of wine that was partially consumed.

Deadly fire tragedies took seven lives in Louisiana in the past eleven days. Four children and three adults perished in half a dozen fires since the midpoint of October.

State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashely Rodrigue says there is an absolutely free option if your home needs smoke detectors.

Cut 7 (08) “…installations in homes.”

Rodrigue said a lack of properly functioning smoke detectors in the homes was a factor in most of the recent fires that claimed lives.

Sunday’s game between the New Orleans Saints and the Minnesota Vikings has Saints fans eager to defeat the Vikings at their Minneapolis stadium.

The Saints are just 3 in 14 in Minneapolis and lost twice to the Vikings in their new stadium last season. Saints Quarterback Drew Brees says Minnesota’s hometown fans make it tough on the away team.

Cut 15 (15) “…same page.”

The Saints versus the Vikings meet in Minnesota Sunday evening. The game can be watched on NBC.

Over the last eleven days, three adults and four children have lost their lives in six different fires across the state.  The State Fire Marshal is reminding you of a very important message that could mean the difference in life and death.  Agency spokesperson, Ashley Rodrigue says there is a free option in the event that your home needs smoke detectors.

Cut 7 (08)  “…installations in homes.”

Last some of the highest fire death numbers in years.

Senator Bill Cassidy has made a statement following the arrest of a Florida man who is suspected on sending out suspicious packages to various politicians and CNN, saying there is no place in American politics for physical threats and violence.

Cut 12 (12)   “…we are Americans.”

Cassidy says politicians have a responsibility to be cautious with their words

Northeast Louisiana music legend Tony Joe White has passed away. Jeff Palermo looks back at the impact White had on the music industry and his hometown…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Governor John Bel Edwards is now on his way to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu and cyber security experts.

A rematch of last year’s memorable NFC Divisional playoff game between the Saints and tje Vikings takes place Sunday night at U-S Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. That’s where the Black and Gold’s season ended last year thanks to a miraculous touchdown pass to Minnesota’s Stefon Diggs on the final play of the game. Saints running back Mark Ingram remembers…

Cut 16 (14) “.Sunday night”

The Saints bring a five-game winning streak into the game, while the Vikings have won three in a row.

Louisiana Tech faces Florida Atlantic tonight in a Friday night Conference USA match-up in Boca Raton, Florida. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz says they didn’t play well against the Owls last year…

Cut 18 (18) “…a lot of points” 

Tonight’s game will kick off at 5:30

The second best high school running back recruit in the nation has de-committed from Georgia after verbally signing on with the Bulldogs in July. Destrehan’s John Emery, the 5-11 200 pound bruiser, says he’s taking a look at his football future after the tough decision. The back has offers from all SEC schools, and then some, as one of the most sought after players in the nation for the 2019 recruiting class, but LSU fans are getting hyped about the possibility of the Bayou Boy staying home, after learning that Emery attended the LSU/Georgia game where the Tigers whipped the bulldogs back in October, 36-16. LSU Head Coach Ed says they’re looking at picking up the best back in the nation. LSU’s recruiting class is currently rated 8^th best.

The 3 and 0 Pelicans take on the Brooklyn Nets tonight, storming back into New Orleans with one of the best offenses in basketball, and Antony Davis, who’s averaging 30 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists on 59 percent shooting. The Nets are 1 and 2, and

LSU/Alabama tickets are officially sold out but there’s still one option if you’re looking to get into the game….

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Matt Doyle.” 

__________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards is embarking on a week-long economic development mission to Israel today.  Kevin Barnhart has details about the trip.

Cut 2 (31) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

__________________________________

JMC Analystic is predicting, based on strong early voting numbers, that turnout for the November election will more than double last fall’s ballot effort. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle..”

_________________________________________

Tickets are going fast for the November 3^rd mega matchup between LSU and Bama in Baton Rouge. The game is already officially sold out, but tickets are available through resellers like StubHub. StubHub Partnerships and Business Development Manager Adam Budelli says they’re the most sought after Tiger/Tide tickets in years.

Cut 4 (09) “…respectively”

The lowest ticket prices available are over 200 hundred dollars at the moment.

It’s only the third best seller despite it being the biggest heavy weight matchup of the year featuring two teams who’d be in the playoffs if the season ended today. The number one seller of the year was the Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma, but number two…

Cut 5 (08) “.Baton Rouge” 

If the Tigers topple Saban, they’ll have the inside track on a playoff seed, so, Bundelli says if LSU leaves Death Valley winner, and you’re feeling feisty…

Cut 6 (08) “…already.”

_________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards is embarking on a week-long economic development mission to Israel today, taking with him a 24-person delegation.  Edwards also has meetings lined up with some of the nation’s top dignitaries.

Cut 7 (13) “…state of Louisiana.”

Edwards serves as co-chairman of the National Governor’s Association’s Resource Center for State Cybersecurity.  He says Israel is a world leader in the field and says cybersecurity is very important to the state.

Cut 8 (10) “…but also private sector.”

Edwards says he’s looking to also discuss getting Israeli companies to work with Louisiana companies when exploring for oil in the Mediterranean.  But he says the topics of discussion don’t stop there.

Cut 9 (13) “…and so forth.”

The Governor returns November 2^nd.

___________________

The Louisiana State Police are adding forty-eight new troopers to action with the graduation of LSP Cadet Class 98 today in Baton Rouge.  The cadets from around the state have now made it through months of the rigorous program.  LSP Spokesperson Jared Sandifer…

Cut 10 (08)   “…fully commissioned state troopers.“

Sandifer says the training includes education on a wide variety of skills that it takes to perform at the highest level with the LSP.

Cut 11 (10)   “…for impaired drivers.”

Sandifer says while this class may be wrapping up, LSP is actively hiring and encourages anyone who would like to work in law enforcement to look into joining the state police.

Cut 12 (05)  “…best and brightest.”
Although the date of the next cadet class has yet to me finalized, Sandifer says he expects it to take place in early 2019.

________________________________

Early voting turnout for the November 6^th ballot is looking pretty good so far, and one analyst says he expects over 30 percent turnout for the election, which would more than double last year’s fall voting. JMC Analytics Publisher John Couvillon says we haven’t seen midterm participation like this since 2006.

Cut 13 (10)   “…contested races.”

No Senate seats are open, the Congressional races aren’t close, and the only major state level position up for grabs is the nominally nonpolitical Secretary of State’s race. But Couvillon says there’s a number of issues, including a Unanimous Juries Amendment that could be motivating the increased participation.

Cut 14 (10)   “…turnout”

And that amendment is getting a lot of more attention than most amendments have in the past, even boasting a national profile and two million dollars invested in an ad campaign. Couvillon says the increased turnout means if supporters of the initiative could be celebrating if they can keep up the media blitz.

Cut 15 (11)   “…is desired”

_____________________________________________________

A rematch of last year’s memorable NFC Divisional playoff game between the Saints and tje Vikings takes place Sunday night at U-S Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. That’s where the Black and Gold’s season ended last year thanks to a miraculous touchdown pass to Minnesota’s Stefon Diggs on the final play of the game. Saints running back Mark Ingram remembers…

Cut 16 (14) “.Sunday night”

The Saints bring a five-game winning streak into the game, while the Vikings have won three in a row. During the win streak, Minnesota’s defense has forced eight turnovers, allowed just five touchdowns and opponents have only converted on 4 of 32 third down opportunities. Ingram says they will need to play well to win….

Cut 17 (18)  “where to be”

______________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech faces Florida Atlantic tonight in a Friday night Conference USA match-up in Boca Raton, Florida. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz says they didn’t play well against the Owls last year…

Cut 18 (18) “…a lot of points” 

Tonight’s game will kick off at 5:30 on C-B-S Network. Holtz says he’d rather play on Saturdays, but likes playing on national television…

Cut 19 (18) “.the exposure” 

Florida Atlantic is 3-4, while Louisiana Tech is 5-2 and on a two-game winning streak. Bulldogs QB J’Mar Smith threw for just 156 yards in a win last week against UTEP. But Holtz says Smith is healthier this week…

Cut 20 (18) “football team” 

LSU’s Manship School says Democrats have a noticeable lead in key battleground congressional races nationwide. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

A Livingston Parish man who ordered a “sensual massage” has been found guilty of second degree murder.   Christopher Landry has been convicted in the killing of massage therapist in training, Kayla Ann Denham, who he hired for the services at his home last year.  In court Thursday, Landry admitted to striking Denham in the head with a gold club five times, however an autopsy showed it was 15 times and that she had been strangled.

The FDA has approved a new drug that can reduce the severity of the flu. LSU Health New Orleans Professor and Infectious Disease Specialist Fred Lopez says after a busy season last year, it’s certainly possible that many of the flu strains this year have developed resistances to popular post-infection medications. The Professor says because Xofluza targets different systems than treatments like Tamiflu, it’s less likely to be shrugged off…

Cut 10 (07)  “…those viruses.”

Xofluza has been found to reduce flu symptoms if the patient has been sick for less than 48 hours

And scary moments earlier today in Lake Charles as Police and SWAT teams stormed Lake Charles Memorial Hospital after receiving reports that a man on the sixth floor of the facility had a gun. Upon investigation the person was discovered, and detained, but did not have a gun on his person. The investigation into the event is ongoing.