Legislation fixing the duplication of benefits issue that’s impacted thousands of 2016 Louisiana flood victims from getting federal recovery grant dollars is heading to President Trump’s desk. Jeff Palermo has more..

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

It was a very emotional night outside of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center last night as hundreds showed up for vigil to remember LSU basketball player Wayde Sims. Wayde’s father, Wayne Sims, spoke at the gathering and says he hopes that others can learn something from his son’s death.

Cut 5 (10)  “…somebody else’s life.” 

Sims was fatally shot last Friday.

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain is backing efforts to replace NAFTA with a new deal that would adjust some aspects of trade with Canada and Mexico. The state is an exporting powerhouse, and Strain says if approved, the new trade deal would lift some major Louisiana based corporations.

Cut 8 (10) “…other products”

President Donald Trump supports the plan.

A 50-year-old Slaughter woman is headed to trial in Baton Rouge facing First Degree Murder charges in the death of her boyfriend Damian Skipper who she allegedly poisoned to death with barium in 2015. Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore says Hale is a suspect in her husband’s 2016 death as well, something they’re looking into.

Cut 15 (11)   “…to investigate.”

Hale was in line to collect 750,000 dollars of insurance money in that case.

There’s good news for 2016 flood victims who cannot receive federal rebuilding grants through the Louisiana Restore Program because they already received an S-B-A loan.  Legislation addressing the duplication of benefits issue has passed the Senate.  Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s heard from many 2016 flood victims who did what they were told to do, only to find out they were not eligible for the millions of dollars in federal recovery grants.

Cut 10 (12) “…they made” 

It was a very emotional night outside of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center last night as hundreds showed up for vigil to remember LSU basketball player Wayde Sims. Wayde’s father, Wayne Sims, spoke at the gathering and took time to address his son’s teammates.

Cut 4 (08) “…team is your family.″

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain is backing efforts to replace NAFTA with a new deal that would adjust some aspects of trade with Canada and Mexico. 13 percent of Louisiana’s exports went to Mexico last year, with five percent heading up north to Canada.  Strain says considering how much we export to our neighbors, the more level playing field could help state growers compete.

Cut 7 (10) “…a year”

A 50-year-old Slaughter woman is headed to trial in Baton Rouge facing First Degree Murder charges in the death of her boyfriend Damian Skipper who she allegedly poisoned to death with barium in 2015. Meshell Hale received 10,000 dollars in life insurance as a result of Skipper’s death, which was initially ruled natural causes until Hale was linked a year later to the suspicious death of her husband. 1^st Degree Murder isn’t all that common, but Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore says in this case…

Cut 14 (08)   “…this person”

A 50-year-old Slaughter woman is headed to trial in Baton Rouge facing First Degree Murder charges in the death of her boyfriend Damian Skipper who she allegedly poisoned to death with barium in 2015. Meshell Hale received 10,000 dollars in life insurance as a result of Skipper’s death. Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore says it’s not often you see cases of alleged poisoning.

Cut 13 (06)   “…fairly rare.“

Hale is also under investigation by New Orleans Police in the suspected poisoning death of her husband in 2016.

Good news for 2016 flood victims who cannot receive federal rebuilding grants through the Louisiana Restore Program, because they already received an S-B-A loan. Senator Bill Cassidy says legislation addressing the duplication of benefits issue has passed the senate and is heading to President Trump’s desk…

cut 9 (06) “…part of process”

It was a very emotional night outside of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center last night as hundreds showed up for vigil to remember LSU basketball player Wayde Sims. His teammate and lifelong friend Skylar Mays spoke for about 10 minutes

Cut 3 (11) “…people feel.” 

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain is backing efforts to replace NAFTA with a new deal that would adjust some aspects of trade with Canada and Mexico. Strain says the deal would open up Canada to American dairy, incentivize more American automobile production, and increase standards for food coming in from south of the boarder…

Cut 6 (10) “…vital sanitary”

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain is backing efforts to replace NAFTA with a new deal that would adjust some aspects of trade with Canada and Mexico. The state is an exporting powerhouse, with five of the top 15 ports by tonnage residing within its borders. Strain says if approved, the new trade deal would give a boost to some major Louisiana based corporations.

Cut 8 (10) “…other products”

13 percent of Louisiana’s exports went to Mexico last year.

Legislation to fix duplication of benefits has passed Congress, which is great news for 2016 flood victims who cannot receive federal rebuilding grants through the Louisiana Restore Program, because they already received an S-B-A loan,. Senator Bill Cassidy says they brought up the problem with the SBA director…

Cut 11 (09)“…succeeded.”

Last night, hundreds gathered outside of the PMAC to honor the memory of gunned down LSU basketball player Wayde Sims.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A woman who’s been accused of poising her boyfriend to death with Barium is set to go on trial for 1^st Degree Murder. Baton Rouge authorities allege 50-year-old Meshell Hale poisoned Damian Skipper, her then boyfriend in 2015. She’s also facing another investigation by New Orleans Police, into the death of her husband Arthur Noflin.

There’s good news for 2016 flood victims who cannot receive federal rebuilding grants through the Louisiana Restore Program because they already received an S-B-A loan.  Legislation addressing the duplication of benefits issue has passed the Senate.  Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s heard from many 2016 flood victims who did what they were told to do, only to find out they were not eligible for the millions of dollars in federal recovery grants.

Cut 10 (12) “…they made” 

It was a very emotional night outside of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center last night as hundreds showed up for vigil to remember LSU basketball player Wayde Sims. Wayde’s father, Wayne Sims, spoke at the gathering and took time to address his son’s teammates.

Cut 4 (08) “…team is your family.″

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain is backing efforts to replace NAFTA with a new deal that would adjust some aspects of trade with Canada and Mexico. 13 percent of Louisiana’s exports went to Mexico last year, with five percent heading up north to Canada.  Strain says considering how much we export to our neighbors, the more level playing field could help state growers compete.

Cut 7 (10) “…a year”

A new poll shows massive, bipartisan support from coastal residents for Coastal Restoration efforts, and a substantial majority of support for Sediment Diversion projects. Environmental groups estimate the state could experience substantial land loss over the next several decades. Restore the Mississippi River Delta Director Steve Cochran says nearly everyone agreed on one question.

Cut 13 (11)   “…want to do it.“

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain is backing efforts to replace NAFTA with a new deal that would adjust some aspects of trade with Canada and Mexico. Strain says the deal would open up Canada to American dairy, incentivize more American automobile production, and increase standards for food coming in from south of the boarder…

Cut 6, 10 seconds, vital sanitary

The new trade deal would need to clear Congress.

It was a very emotional night outside of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center last night as hundreds showed up for vigil to remember LSU basketball player Wayde Sims. Wayde’s father, Wayne Sims, spoke at the gathering and took time to address his son’s teammates.

Cut 4 (08) “…team is your family.″

Sims was fatally shot last Friday by a 20-year-old man during an altercation.

There’s good news for 2016 flood victims who can not receive federal rebuilding grants through the Louisiana Restore Program, because they already received an S-B-A loan. Senator Bill Cassidy says legislation addressing the duplication of benefits issue has passed the senate and is heading to the President Trump’s desk…

cut 9 (06) “…part of process”

The Louisiana Office of Community Development has said if SBA loans are removed from the duplication of benefits rule, than over six-thousand Louisiana homeowners could be eligible for about 215-million dollars in Restore grants.

According to the latest research from DriversEd.com, distracted driving is on the rise.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

it was a very emotional night outside of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center last night as hundreds showed up for vigil to remember LSU basketball player Wayde Sims. His teammate and lifelong friend Skylar Mays spoke for about 10 minutes

Cut 3 (11) “…people feel.” 

Sims was fatally shot last Friday by a 20-year-old man during a altercation involving several people near the Southern University campus.

At 1:18 today most phones in the state will broadcasting the iconic alert tone that will announce the beginning of the first ever Wireless Emergency Alert test. It’ll be the same tone that currently is broadcast when AMBER Alerts or tornado warnings are issued for your area, and Assistant Deputy Director of Preparedness Chris Guilbeaux says they try to use the system sparingly.

Cut 12 (11)   “…or so.”

It’ll broadcast whether or not you mute your phone.

A new poll shows massive, bipartisan support from coastal residents for Coastal Restoration efforts, and a substantial majority of support for Sediment Diversion projects. Restore the Mississippi River Delta Director Steve Cochran says while not overwhelming, diversion projects did still receive majority backing, despite some local concerns.

Cut 14 (12)   “…70 percent support.”

Senator John Kennedy is bringing forward a bill that would prevent the federal government from doing business with banks that discriminate against companies based on the company’s positions on social issues like gun control. Kennedy says it may have been inspired by anti-gun banks, but…

Cut 4 (11) “…with that either.”

It’s legislation similar to a recent Louisiana Bond Commission decision.

At 1:18 today most phones in the state will begin emitting a nice, shrill screech that will announce the beginning of the first ever Wireless Emergency Alert test. And if you’re wondering, no, you can’t opt out of this test…

Cut 11 (10)   “…WEA system.”

That’s Assistant Deputy Director of Preparedness Chris Guilbeaux who says it’ll be the same tone used by AMBER alerts.

A new poll shows massive, bipartisan support from coastal residents for Coastal Restoration efforts, and a substantial majority of support for Sediment Diversion projects. Environmental groups estimate the state could experience substantial land loss over the next several decades. Restore the Mississippi River Delta Director Steve Cochran says nearly everyone agreed on one question.

Cut 13 (11)   “…want to do it.“

Cochran says sediment diversion projects even received majority support in communities where there’s been some controversy about the idea.

Interim Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says there’s a new scam going around, where callers pretend to be voter registration officials in order to get access to victim’s private information. The callers will offer to register or send absentee ballots to voters over the phone, but Ardoin says the only official way to get that done is online, by mail, or in person. The deadline to register, officially, in person or by mail is October 9^th, and online by October 16^th.

Senator John Kennedy is going after banks who have chosen to not do business with certain gun manufacturers or retailers with legislation he says will stop the discrimination. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Matt Doyle”

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According to the latest research from DriversEd.com, distracted driving is on the rise.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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 At 1:18PM today phones across the state will sound with the emergency alert tone for the first WEA test of it’s kind. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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Senator John Kennedy is bringing forward a bill that would prevent banks from discriminating against companies based on the company’s positions on social issues like gun control. The Louisiana Bond Commission recently decided to not do business with banks that cut capital for gun manufacturers. Kennedy says it may have been inspired by anti-gun banks, but…

Cut 4 (11) “…with that either.”

Citigroup will restrict capital to companies that sell guns to those under 21, or who do not take background checks. Bank of America is refusing to finance companies that manufacture assault weapons.

Kennedy says he’s concerned that massive financial institutions like Citigroup and Bank of America are attempting to create extra-governmental regulatory frameworks that impose social views on the businesses and customers. He says the banks sure weren’t picky about whose money they were taking during the financial crash…

Cut 5 (08)  “…amendment or not.” 

Kennedy says the attempt to bank’s attempts to push social views onto customers is elitist

Cut 6 (10) “…and not believe.”

The legislation is titled the No Red Banks and Blue Banks Act.

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DriversEd.com has released a report showing 73% of drivers admit to reading text messages while driving, with 54% typing on their phones. The report, which examines behind-the-wheel behaviors, habits, and decisions, also shows only 39% of drivers say they use their phone more than they should. Safety and Education Analyst from the website, Laura Adams says the research results may surprise many as to what drivers are fessing up to doing on the road.

Cut 7 (10) “…shocking information here.”

Adams says the research shows the use of technology is on the rise, whether watching videos on YouTube and Netflix or browsing social media.

Cut 8 (08) “…driving these days.”

Adams says there are steps that the website recommends for reducing the risk of dangers on the road.

Cut 9 (10) “…own driving behavior.”

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At 1:18 today most phones in the state will begin emitting a nice, shrill screech that will announce the beginning of the first ever Wireless Emergency Alert test. This new system will allow local, state, or federal authorities to broadcast emergency messages to your phone. Assistant Deputy Director of Preparedness Chris Guilbeaux says up until now that’s been reserved for EAS tests.

Cut 10 (09)   “…goes out.“

Two minutes after the tone sounds on phones, the EAS portion of the regularly scheduled test will go out.

And if you’re wondering, no, you can’t opt out of this test so you might not want to catch the matinee screening of that new movie you’ve been waiting to see…

Cut 11 (10)   “…WEA system.”

It’ll be the same tone that currently is broadcast when AMBER Alerts or tornado warnings are issued for your area, and Guilbeaux says they’ve been light with their uses, so as to not desensitize people to the warnings.

Cut 12 (11)   “…or so.”

The message will be labeled a “Presidential Alert.”

_______________________________________

A new poll shows massive, bipartisan support from coastal residents for Coastal Restoration efforts, and a substantial majority of support for Sediment Diversion projects. Environmental groups estimate the state could experience substantial land loss over the next several decades. Restore the Mississippi River Delta Director Steve Cochran says nearly everyone agreed on one question.

Cut 13 (11)   “…want to do it.“

Sediment projects that would divert the flow of the M ississippi River to deposit more sediment in at-risk areas have received some concern from residents of areas that could see ecological shifts. Cochran says while not overwhelming, these projects did still receive majority backing.

Cut 14 (12)   “…70 percent support.”

They’re numbers that should grab the attention of people running for office in southern coastal regions. While Cochran says support for coastal restoration may not be controversial, the solid backing for potentially expensive sediment projects should show officials it’s a popular position to hold.

Cut 15 (12)   “…very best funding.”

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So far through five games, LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow has yet to throw an interception. Burrow says credits his preparation for every Saturday….

Cut 16 (20) “.. contested situations” 

The LSU Tigers are 5-0 and ranked fifth in the country heading into Saturday’s SEC showdown with Florida in the Swamp. The offense had its best performance of the season against Ole Miss and Burrow says there is still room to grow…

Cut 17 (25)  “build on this” 

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Running back Mark Ingram is back with the Saints after serving his four-game suspension. He greeted the team at the team’s facility when they returned from beating the Giants. Coach Sean Payton says Ingram is ready to go…

Cut 18 (09) “…good shape” 

Cut 19 (15) “..is possible” 

The Saints beat the Redskins last year, erasing a 15-point deficit in the 4th quarter to beat Washington 34-31 in overtime. Payton says even though the Redskins have a different quarterback this season, Alex Smith, they are capable of putting points on the board….

Cut 20 (14) “foot forward” 

Louisiana receives a 3-point-six million dollar federal grant to increase safety at schools statewide. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

LSU is undefeated and ranked number 5 in the country heading into Week 6 of the college football season.   But today, ESPN released its top nine teams that have chance of going to the playoffs and LSU was left off the list.  ESPN says LSU and West Virginia both have a 6.4 percent chance to make the playoff but only six-tenths of a percent chance to win it all.

A woman’s body found in Cameron Parish was apparently burned with gasoline as part of a possible homicide. 32-year-old Mitzie Galimidi appears to have already been dead when her body was brought to the scene and doused, according to authorities. Cameron Sheriff Ron Johnson says so far they have very little evidence.

cut 9 (12) “…of death”

A 37-year-old, ten year veteran of the Louisiana State Police has been arrested and charged with Abuse of Office after an investigation revealed he allegedly used his access to law enforcement databases for unauthorized activities. John Kelley of Troop G is out after posting bond. Trooper Glenn Younger says having to arrest one of their own was a tough moment.

Cut 13 (09) “…higher standard.”

Kelley has been placed on forced leave.