Governor John Bel Edwards is once again surveying damage following a powerful hurricane that struck the state. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (32) “  I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Parishes in southeast Louisiana are assessing damage and beginning the cleanup and recovery from a rare late October storm. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (40) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Southeast Louisiana is recovering from the fifth named storm to make landfall in the state this year, the near category three Hurricane Zeta.

Governor Edwards says unfortunately we are reporting the first storm-related death, a 55-year-old New Orleans man who died from electrocution due to a downed powerline.

Cut 3 (11)  “…gentleman”  

Power is out to *469,000* customers in Louisiana but Edwards says the good news is preliminary estimates show it won’t be weeks before the lights come on for most customers.

Cut 4 (11)   “.roads”   

Three breaches have been reported in the Burrito Levee in Grand Isle. CPRA is on the scene assessing the damage.

Edwards surveyed much of southeast Louisiana today by helicopter and says most damage appears to be wind-related.

Cut 5 (08) “.homes”

1,940 National Guardsmen have been activated in support of emergency operations in the state.

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Hurricane Zeta was still a Category One storm when the center of the storm reached St. Tammany Parish.  Parish President Mike Cooper says that even though the storm had weakened by the time it got there, St. Tammany still felt some significant winds.

Cut 6 (12) “…trees down”

Cooper says another problem for St. Tammany is power outages, which is causing unsafe driving conditions for citizens in the area.

Cut 7 (07) “…power outages”

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St. Bernard Parish President Guy McInnis says winds of 100-miles per hour were clocked at their emergency operations center

Cut 8 (11) “..power lines”   (2x)

McInnis says there were no serious injuries during the storm and he would like to keep it that way…

Cut 9 (10) “shouldn’t be”

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Zeta made landfall near Cocodrie, which is located in Terrebonne Parish. Lieutenant Brennan Matherne with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s office says the southern end of the parish took a big hit…

Cut 10 (08) “structures”

Numerous trees are down and there’s property damage in Golden Meadow and Leeville. Zeta was a fast-moving storm and Matherne says the speed of the storm helped minimize the damage.

Cut 11 (12) “…quickly.”

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The only levee failures from Hurricane Zeta occurred in Grand Isle as the Category Two storm caused three breaches in what as known as the burrito levee, a large roll of plastic filled with sand. Jefferson Parish Emergency Preparedness Director Joseph Valiente says the breaches have led to flooding in the coastal town…

Cut 12 (12) “ .down there” 

The governor’s office says they have pumps trying to drain the water.

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To say the Bayou State is experiencing weather extremes is an understatement, after a Category Two hurricane strikes the state, now we are experiencing much cooler temperatures in less than 24 hours. State Climatologist Barry Keim says this is a very odd one-two punch.

Cut 13 (12) “…time of year”

The cold front is a welcome respite as many are without power after Zeta barreled through.

Cut 14 (12) high temp (x2)” 

Keim says the next couple of days could be even colder, not significantly but definitely chilly.

Cut 15 (12) “in the 60s” 

Keim says this is the second latest storm to make landfall in Louisiana with records going back to 1851, the latest was Hurricane Juan in 1985 on October 31st.

The family of a mentally ill Shreveport man who died after an incident with police is seeking a 25 million dollar settlement from the city. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “  I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The head of State Police, Colonel Kevin Reeves, is retiring on Friday, while a federal investigation is ongoing into the death of a Black man while in State Police custody. Jeff Palermo has the story

cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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The family of Tommie McGlothen Jr., a mentally ill man who died after being in Shreveport Police custody, is seeking a 25 million dollar wrongful death settlement from the City of Shreveport.

Video shows McGlothen being severely beaten for several minutes after being subdued by officers, he was then left unattended in a police cruiser for 48 minutes and later died. Family attorney James Carter…

Cut 3 (11)  “…forward”  

The incident occurred on April 5^th and the four officers involved are now also facing negligent homicide and malfeasance criminal charges.

Carter says they have a strong case and notes the Shreveport City Council has requested the Department of Justice investigate SPD for patterns of civil rights violations…

Cut 4 (09)   “.citizens”   

Carter hopes the city won’t drag this out by waiting for the criminal side of this case to be settled.

Cut 5 (10) “..resolved”

Carter says the City has until Thursday to respond to the request or the family will file a lawsuit seeking those damages. Mayor Adrian Perkins, who is currently running for Senate, had no comment on the pending litigation.

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The head of State Police is retiring at a time when the L-S-P is the subject of a federal civil rights investigation looking into the death of a Black man while in State Police custody last year. Colonel Kevin Reeves’ retirement is effective Friday. Governor John Bel Edwards calls Reeves a dedicated law enforcement official…

Cut 6 (06) “…going forward”

Despite the controversy surrounding the death of Ronald Greene, Edwards says he did not lose confidence in Colonel Reeves and his retirement announcement has been in the works.

Cut 7 (07) “…for retiring”

Reeves has been with State Police for over 30 years and was named Superintendent in March 2017. In May of 2019, State Police said Greene died in a high-speed crash near Monroe. But body-camera video shows officers choking and beating him. There have been other controversies with State Police as well, but Edwards says he never lost confidence in Reeves and knew of his retirement plans since last year…

Cut 8 (05) “…asked for”

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is riding out Hurricane Zeta in Plaquemines Parish, where he once served as parish president. Nungesser is concerned about flooding as construction continues on a federal levee system…

Cut 9 (12) “overtopping”

Nungesser says Zeta is a fast-moving storm at 18 miles per hour.

100 mile per hour sustained winds are certainly possible in southeast Louisiana and Nungesser says if you’re still in the area hunker down until the storm passes.

Cut 10 (10) “safe”

Zeta is the record 5^th named storm to make landfall in Louisiana. Nungesser says it’s been a tough hurricane season but we’re almost out of it, and hopefully, this is the last storm of the year…

Cut 11 (10) “…over.”

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Hurricane Zeta has strengthened into a strong Category Two storm with maximum sustained winds of 110 miles per hour as the storm is expected to make landfall soon along the Lafourche-Terrebonne Parish line. Zeta will race past New Orleans and eastern St. Tammany Parish. Shawn O’Neil with the National Weather Service says heavy rainfall is likely, but Zeta’s fierce winds are a bigger concern

Cut 12 (05) “ ..numerous” 

Governor Edwards says 5,500 workers are staged to restore power quickly.

Because Hurricane Zeta has strengthened, O’Neil says storm surge projections have gone up…

Cut 13 (12) “…Mississippi coast”

Zeta will also produce heavy rainfall and O’Neil says flash flooding is possible as two to four inches of rain could fall in the New Orleans metro area.

Cut 14 (13) concern” 

A tornado watch is in effect until midnight for the New Orleans metro area, plus Washington, St. Tammany, Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes.

Governor John Bel Edwards says unfortunately it will be a rough evening for southeastern Louisiana…

Cut 15 (12) “weather aware” 

Coastal parishes in southeast Louisiana are bracing for their first direct hit from a hurricane this year. Taylor Sharp has more….

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Taylor Sharp”  

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LSU police have arrested a member of the cleaning crew at Tiger Stadium after he allegedly mugged a fan and then bragged about the attack. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Tropical Storm Zeta is expected to make landfall near southeast Louisiana tomorrow as a category 1 hurricane. John Rahaim is the Director of Emergency Preparedness for St. Bernard Parish says they are bracing for winds up to 90 miles per hour tomorrow night…

Cut 3 (08)  “…hear it”  

Zeta is projected to be a fast moving storm which should help reduce the damage, however, when the storm finally passes through, Rahaim says that he expects a wide variety of damage to be present in the area.

Cut 4 (10)   “…storm”   

St. Bernard is not the only parish preparing for the storm, Lieutenant Brennan Matherne with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office says that Lafourche parish is expecting significant winds to be the biggest impact from this storm.

Cut 5 (07) “…issues”

Due to the expected high winds, Lt. Matherne advises residents to tie down any loose furniture around their home.

Cut 6 (07) “…debris”

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A hurricane warning is in effect from Morgan City to the Mississippi/Alabama border. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Zeta is expected to bring hurricane conditions to portions of the Northern Gulf of Mexico Wednesday.

Cut 7 (09) “…warm water”

Keim says most of the models are in agreement on Zeta’s path as the cone of uncertainty begins to narrow.

Cut 8 (12) “…Bay area”

Zeta is expected to make landfall Wednesday evening as a Category 1 storm

Keim says storm surge warnings are in place from Port Fourchon to the Pearl River, basically all of southeast Louisiana, between four and six feet.

Cut 9 (12) “lot of rain”

Rainfall amounts are predicted to be between two and five inches.

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Metairie native, Judge Amy Coney Barrett has been confirmed to the US Supreme Court, filling a vacancy left by the departed Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Senator John Kennedy touted the nomination saying Barrett is a judge who understands judicial restraint.

Cut 10 (07) “impressed”

The vote was 52-48 strictly along party lines with only one Republican joining with Democrats in voting against her nomination.

Kennedy says Barrett has an impressive, and unimpeachable past having graduated from Dominican High, Rhodes College, and Notre Dame…

Cut 11 (10) “…hint.”

Senator Bill Cassidy echoed Kennedy’s sentiments, saying “Friends and relatives of Amy Coney Barrett in Metairie and across Louisiana are right to feel particularly proud at this moment.”

Kennedy celebrated Barrett’s personal and family life, saying she’s a person of good character.

Cut 12 (09) “ ..Christian” 

Democrats argue the nomination should never have gone forward, citing precedent set by Senate Republicans in the last year of the Obama Administration about nominations during an election year.

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Residents impacted by Hurricane Laura now have another month to register for FEMA disaster assistance. FEMA Spokesperson Melissa Wilkins says homeowners and renters can apply for aid which includes temporary housing, rental assistance and to repair or replace damage to property.

Cut 13 (10) “…November 27th”

Wilkins says there are three ways residents you can register for assistance…

Cut 14 (09) “… 800-number”

That phone number is 1-800-621-FEMA

Wilkins says FEMA assistance can cover a range of expenses from housing to medical care.

Cut 15 (12) “as possible” 

The deadline for those impacted by Hurricane Delta has been extended to December 15^th.

The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season is not done with Louisiana as another storm is expected to make landfall in the Bayou State. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Attorney General Jeff Landry says the signing of a legislative petition clearly states the Governor no longer has any authority to enforce his COVID public health emergency orders. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Hurricane Zeta is expected to enter the southern Gulf of Mexico tomorrow morning as a hurricane and then track across the gulf with a likely landfall in southeast Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the official forecast track has Zeta as a Category one storm when it makes landfall Wednesday night

Cut 3 (10)  “…this landfall”  

It will be the fifth named storm to make landfall in Louisiana in 2020 and the eleventh for the United States. Keim says the previous record was nine, set in 1916. He says Zeta also ties a record for most named storms in a season with 27 which was set in 2005

Cut 4 (10)   “…170-year period”   

After Zeta passes over Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula it will move northwest, and then turn to the northeast because of an approaching cold front

Cut 5 (12) “…too long”

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Passage of Amendment Six on the November ballot would allow senior citizens with higher income levels to qualify for a property tax assessment freeze. Currently, if you are 65 or older and make less than $77-thousand annually your property taxes can be frozen for your homestead. Public Affairs Research Council President, Robert Travis Scott, says passage would increase the annual income limit.

Cut 6 (08) “…or less”

Scott says Amendment 6 should be attractive for senior voters whose income falls in between the current levels.

Cut 7 (12) “…very popular”

Opponents however feel the change in income levels would force local governments to be more dependent on sales tax revenue which is more volatile.

Cut 8 (06) “…we stop”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry says the Governor’s public health emergency has been terminated for seven days and he now has no authority to enforce COVID restrictions.

After the House signed a petition Friday overturning the order many businesses began operating without restrictions. Landry says if the state penalizes you or tries to shut you down for doing that…

Cut 9 (12) “did”

According to the petition’s supporters, the Governor is allowed to issue another public health declaration Friday that would re-implement Phase Three.

Landry says businesses no longer have to abide by the Governor’s public health restrictions, but they can maintain policies such as a mask mandate…

Cut 10 (09) “want to”

Governor Edwards announced Monday afternoon he is filing a lawsuit challenging the petition from state lawmakers and he says Phase Three restrictions are still in place. Landry says he’s ready to defend the petition in court

Cut 11 (08) “…case.”

The petition was signed by 65 House GOP lawmakers at the end of the special session amidst frustrations that legislative attempts to limit or eliminate the Governor’s public health authority had failed. Many say their constituents feel the ongoing restrictions are hurting businesses and hampering the state’s recovery, but Edwards says that just doesn’t make any sense…

Cut 12 (10) “ ..states” 

Edwards says if his order is overturned…

Cut 13 (13) “…testing”

The Governor adds that it would also block GOHSEP from providing additional nurses and doctors to medical facilities in areas that see a surge in cases, and stops the National Guard from processing and transporting pandemic supplies like PPE and testing kits around the state.

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A bizarre killing spree with a knife took in LaPlace on Sunday that resulted in the deaths of two individuals and serious injuries to the suspect’s sister. St John the Baptist Parish Sheriff Mike Trege says 23- year old Oscar Urisa attacked and killed his 31-year old girlfriend and her 15-year old sister, and also stabbed his 17-year old sister and 15-year old brother with a machete.

Cut 14 (11) “… his sister”

Trege says the horrific attacks began at a residence on Fairway Drive when Urias’s girlfriend, Elizabeth Tornbene followed the suspect into his bedroom, then Urias immerged wearing a mask and yielding two knives into the living room.

Cut 15 (06) “killing people” 

The suspect was apprehended after allegedly stabbing and killing the 15-year old sister of his girlfriend in a garage on North Sugar Ridge.

Trege says Urias’s 17-year old sister was also injured in the attack and this is the most vicious crime he’s ever investigated.

Cut 16 (12) “…my 32-years” 

Urias is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder.

Governor Edwards unloaded on the 65 House lawmakers who signed a petition Friday ordering him to end the pandemic public health emergency declaration. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “   I’m Matt Doyle”

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DOTD cuts the ribbon on the I-10 widening from Highland Road in Baton Rouge to Interstate 73 in Ascension Parish Parish today. Brooke Thorington has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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A Pennington Biomedical Research survey shows pandemic lockdowns reduced mental health and increased weight gain around the world. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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Governor John Bel Edwards passionately rebuked House Republicans for signing a legislative petition Friday ordering him to end all pandemic public health orders.

Edwards says the 65 Republicans who signed the petition have their heads buried in the sand and refuse to acknowledge that the pandemic is still raging, killing 5,631 people in Louisiana

Cut 4 (07) “seriously”

The petition also orders the Governor not to issue any additional public health emergency declarations for a week. Edwards never-the-less renewed Phase Three for another 30 days telling state residents that the restrictions are still in place.

Edwards appears set to challenge the petition in court…

Cut 5 (14) “…die”

Attorney General Jeff Landry believes the petition is constitutional and told House Republicans he would defend it in court.

Edwards repeated his warning that canceling the emergency would lead to a significant loss of federal emergency funding obtained through the Stafford Act…

Cut 6 (08) “funding”

He also listed a number of other ways it would cripple the state’s pandemic response from blocking state agencies from coordinating with local governments to provide PPE to removing the National Guard’s ability to conduct local testing.

Crowley Republican Representative John Stefanski argued the seven-day ban on COVID restrictions is reasonable and could demonstrate the state is ready to advance past Phase Three…

Cut 7 (09) “as well”

Stefanski says signing the petition was the only option left for lawmakers. He says the Governor rejected all compromise efforts to make the Legislature a partner in COVID policy.

Cut 8 (08) “…on that”

Senate President Page Cortez weighed in on why a similar petition was not circulated in the Upper Chamber. He said Senators were concerned that there wasn’t enough data to back up revoking the emergency and that the petition also prevents the Governor from reissuing orders should we have another spike in cases.

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Construction has officially finished on the 72 million dollar widening of Interstate Ten from Baton Rouge to Ascension Parish. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says it’s a major relief for folks living in the fast-growing region… 

Cut 9 (09) “time”

The project stretches 6.5 miles from Highland Road in Baton Rouge to LA 73 in Ascension Parish and included new bridges above Highland Road and at Bayou Manchac.  

Wilson says this is a big deal for anyone driving in or out of New Orleans and will shave an estimated 15 minutes off the standard commute through the region.  

Cut 10 (10) “…compensate”

The project took two years to complete and was the fasted design-build project in the history of the department.  

Wilson says while it’s not the biggest or most expensive project in recent history it will make life better for the roughly 100,000 drivers who travel through this corridor every day.  

Cut 11 (08) “that way”

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A Pennington Biomedical Research Center survey in April shows similar behaviors worldwide during the stay at home orders. Co-Head Researcher Dr. Emily Flannagan says they evaluated behavioral changes such as diet, physical activity, mental health, and sleep. Flannagan says respondents with increased anxiety noted a shift in sleep patterns.

Cut 12 (11) “numbers locally.”.

Flannagan says the survey indicated 25-percent of respondents indicated weight gain despite a similar increase of home-cooked meals.

Cut 13 (11) “snacking behaviors.”

The survey also showed a decrease in physical activity and an increase in sedentary lifestyles.

Flannagan says as the pandemic continues healthcare providers should monitor their patient’s behavioral changes either in person or virtually.

Cut 14 (11) “…time goes on”

More than 12-thousand participated in the study from more than 50 countries. The majority were from the US, with half from Louisiana.

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The Saints won their 15th straight game in the month of October as they held off Carolina 27-24 to improve to 4-2. Quarterback Drew Brees was efficient as he threw for 287 yards and two touchdowns. He also had a rushing touchdown. Brees’ second TD pass came at the end of the first half to give New Orleans a 21-17 halftime lead

Cut 15 (08) “..the game”

The Saints were without their top two receivers as Michael Thomas missed another game due to injuries and Emmanuel was out after testing positive for COVID. But Marquez Callaway stepped up and caught eight passes, so did Alvin Kamara and Kamara added 83 rushing yards. Brees says they are finding different ways to win…

cut 16 (12) “do that”

Carolina Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater played in his return to New Orleans as he threw for 254 yards and two touchdowns. He led Carolina on a potential game tying drive in the fourth quarter, but Marcus Davenport sacked him which led to a 65-yard field goal. Coach Sean Payton knows kicker Joey Slye has a strong leg…

cut 17 (12)   good win”

The Saints are 4-2, a half game back of Tampa Bay who beat the Raiders on Sunday. New Orleans is at Chicago next Sunday. The Bears visit the L-A Rams tonight.

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It was an impressive debut for freshman quarterback TJ Finley as he threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns and also ran for a score in a 52-24 win over South Carolina. Finley says he was well prepared heading into his first collegiate start…

cut 18 (25) ” very quick” 

The LSU running game complimented Finley as the Tigers rushed for 265 yards. Running back John Emery was impressed with Finley’s demeanor…

cut 19 (19) “so calm”‘

The defense gave up a few big plays, but showed improvement since the loss to Missouri. And Trey Palmer returned a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown. Finley believes the win can turn their season around…

cut 20 (24) “together today”

NBA Hall of Famer and LSU Icon Shaquille O’Neal has to update his resume as he has a new job with the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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Governor Edwards is mulling over a potential veto of legislation that would allow lawmakers to eliminate certain pandemic health restrictions. Matt Doyle has more

cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has to update his resume, as he’s now a Special Reserve Deputy with the St Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office.  Shaq dropped by the office while the boss was away at training and now Sheriff Becket Breaux is having to adjust his budget.

Cut 3 (12)  “…get it covered”  

Breaux has been good friends with the 7-foot-1 basketball icon and broadcaster, and their relationship inspired him to asked Shaq to join the team.

Cut 4 (10)   “…great team.”   

Breaux says despite Shaq’s busy schedule, he will be active with the department, helping to train and mentor staff via ZOOM. But Breaux will have to update a patrol unit for his newest hire.

Cut 5 (09) “a complaint”

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The Senate Judiciary Committee rejects a House approved bill that would bar the state from penalizing churches and church-goers for gathering for in-person services against state orders during an emergency.

The hearing led to an animated exchange between Shreveport Senator Gregory Tarver and the bill’s author Oil City Representative Danny McCormick.

Cut 6 (09) “has happened”

The legislation was inspired by the arrest of Central Pastor Tony Spell for holding services against the ban on in-person religious gatherings. The bill would have also retroactively cleared his charges and other religious leaders who were penalized. His case is currently pending.

Tarver argued the ban did not violate constitutional protections on religious liberty because it allowed for virtual services. McCormick says virtual services are not the same…

Cut 7 (11) “…would you”

Tarver and McCormick made their final arguments as the bill failed on a 3-2 vote.

Cut 8 (12) “is”

The legislation cleared the House on a 66-24 vote, but it’s now dead for the session.

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Republican lawmakers await Governor Edwards’ decision on a potential veto of legislation they passed that would allow the Legislature to overturn parts of a public health emergency.

Edwards says he plans to talk to the bill’s author and legislative leaders, but he already has a blanket policy about efforts to undermine his emergency authority…

Cut 9 (08) “approval”

If signed the legislation would allow, on a majority vote of the House and Senate, for specific public health restrictions to be eliminated while maintaining the rest of the emergency declaration.

Edwards says he will not surrender any authority to people whose approach he finds “totally unreasonable.”

Cut 10 (09) “…place”

Edwards says he needs every tool available to make sure that more people don’t die from this virus than is necessary.

Cut 11 (08) “…Louisiana.”

Should Edwards veto this legislation, the House could have a majority of its members sign a petition that would end the public health emergency, triggering a likely court battle.

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Constitutional Amendment Four on the November 3rd ballot asks voters if the state should create a new state budget spending limit. Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott says the state already has a spending limit..

Cut 12 (04) “ …expenditures are” 

Scott says opponents say the amendment will not ensure a more efficient government, but supporters say it will stabilize the state’s budget, which saw large deficits during Edwards’ first term in office…

Cut 13 (09) “…long-term”

An LSU fraternity is under investigation for an alleged hazing incident and East Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore says it’s reminiscent of Max Gruver in 2017. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (31) “  I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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A bill is headed to the Governor’s desk that if signed would allow lawmakers to strike down certain pandemic public health restrictions. Matt Doyle covered the bill’s testy final vote on the House floor…

cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The Saints will be allowed to play in front of fans after the team reached an agreement with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell.  Beginning this Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, 3,000 fans will be allowed inside the Superdome. Coach Sean Payton is glad the two sides worked out a resolution

Cut 3 (07)  “…schedule”  

The phased plan will begin with 3,000 fans this Sunday, before increasing to 6,000 fans for the November games and as much as 15,000 fans for games in December.  Payton says this is a great way to gradually allow fans back into the Dome.

Cut 4 (07)   “…there”   

______________________________

LSU Police are investigating an alleged hazing incident involving Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity after a student was hospitalized with alcohol intoxication. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says the incident is hauntingly familiar to the Max Gruver in 2017 case but this time witnesses are cooperating.

Cut 5 (14) “…its gone”

Moore plans to meet with LSU Police tomorrow and discuss evidence and details they have obtained from witnesses so far concerning the alleged hazing incident.

Cut 6 (11) “some time”

LSU Greek life was in the national spotlight following the death of freshman pledge Max Gruver for alcohol poisoning. That case sparked legislation enforcing harsher penalties and holding social organizations responsible for such incidents.

Cut 7 (10) “…they respond”

Phi Kappa Psi has been suspended from chapter activities amid the ongoing criminal investigation.

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The House and Senate agree on legislation allowing lawmakers to strike down specific public health restrictions without overturning the Governor’s entire public health order.

Erath Representative Blake Miguez says his constituents demanded action on loosening pandemic health restrictions and this bill gives lawmakers a tool to do that.

Cut 8 (09) “..people”

The bill is headed to the Governor and if signed would allow certain limitations like stadium capacity to be struck down while maintaining orders like mask mandates. The Governor has previously indicated he would veto efforts to undercut his public health authority.

The Democratic Caucus voted against the bill. Laplace Representative Randal Gaines says striking at the Governor’s ability to manage the pandemic endangers public health.

Cut 9 (09) “crisis”

Under the bill, the Governor would still be allowed to issue an emergency order but 30 days later when it came time for a renewal a majority vote in the House and Senate could remove certain parts of it, or overturn the entire order.

Miguez disagrees with critics who say limiting the Governor’s authority is dangerous…

Cut 10 (09) “….response”

The bill only won 54 votes, had 30 nays, and 21 lawmakers abstained. Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey called the legislation a mess that lawmakers were given no time to read before the vote was held…

Cut 11 (05) “…this.”

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It doesn’t sound like LSU quarterback Myles Brennan will play in Saturday night’s home game against South Carolina. Coach Ed Orgeron says his starting Q-B continues to slowly recover from an injury

Cut 12 (06) “ .very questionable” 

If Brennan can’t play, LSU will start a true freshman at quarterback, either T-J Finley or Max Johnson. Orgeron has confidence in both guys

Cut 13 (07) “…will play”

Orgeron says a decision on who will start will be made later this week.

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An early-morning crash involving a school bus in Terrebonne Parish claims the life of a Schriever man. LSP Trooper Thomas Gossen says the head-on crash happened shortly after 6:30 when the driver of a truck crossed the center line on Highway 56.

Cut 14 (11) “… at the scene”

Gossen says the driver of the truck, Troy Lyons was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Cut 15 (12) “not survive” 

Air Force C-130 planes begin spraying today at 6 PM in parishes impacted by Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Taylor Sharp spoke with GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele about the spraying process…

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Taylor Sharp”  

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The House and Senate are at an impasse over legislation stripping the Governor of his public health authority with only a week left until the special session ends. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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U-S Air Force C-130 planes will begin spraying for mosquitos in parishes impacted by Hurricanes Laura and Delta.  Mike Steele with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says FEMA approved the use of the planes because of the booming mosquito population

Cut 3 (07)  “…area”  

Steele says the spraying will be conducted from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the next six days over Acadia, Calcasieu, Cameron, Iberia Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, and Vermilion parishes.

Cut 4 (11)   “…effective”   

Why is it important to spray these areas now?  Steele says that the rainfall from the two hurricanes could be a hot spot for mosquitoes.

Cut 5 (11) “…now”

FEMA approved this plan late last week.

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One man is dead and three others suffered gunshot wounds after an alleged robbery Monday night near LSU’s campus. Baton Rouge Police Sgt Don Coppola says three individuals tried to rob the home but someone inside shot at them after they entered killing 20-year old Marcus Hayes Jr.

Cut 6 (12) “with Hayes”

Police say two of the six robbery victims sustained non-life-threatening gunshot injuries.

Coppola says they received a call shortly after 11 pm. According to the investigation, two individuals from the home were speaking with two suspects outside, they then all entered the home.

Cut 7 (10) “…robbery suspects”

Coppola says a juvenile suspect was also shot and found later on Charles Street and taken to a local hospital. Police say four people were shot during the incident, one of them died and three others were wounded.

Cut 8 (10) “…gunshot injuries”

Authorities say the cause of the shooting, which occurred on West McKinley Street, is unknown and remains under investigation.

__________________________________________

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell met with Saints officials Monday to discuss the return of fans to the Superdome. The Mayor’s spokesperson Beau Tidwell calls the meeting productive and the Mayor is interested in a phased and gradual opening of the Dome to fans

Cut 9 (09) “not backwards”

Tidwell says talks with the Saints are ongoing and they discussed what the Saints are seeking regarding fans in the stands.

Cut 10 (09) “…..us regress”

The Saints next home game is this Sunday against Carolina. Tidwell did not provide specifics on a proposed date of when the Dome would reopen.

Cut 11 (12) “…that will.”

The Saints have also spoken with LSU about playing in Tiger Stadium.

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There’s only a week left in the special session and lawmakers are deadlocked on questions of whether the Governor’s public health authority should be restricted.

LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says there’s a stalemate at the Capitol over the question and it’s not just between the Governor and Republicans…

Cut 12 (07) “ .viewpoints” 

The House has passed a series of bills that would immediately end all or some COVID public health restrictions, while the Senate backs a bill allowing for more legislative oversight in future public emergencies.

Alford says if a legislative agreement can’t be made before the session ends October 27^th we could see the House take unprecedented action…

Cut 13 (09) “…orders”

That petition has been in circulation since the summer but failed to get majority support in either chamber after concerns were raised it would result in the loss of a substantial amount of federal funding.

Democrats are calling for the session to end early, noting the 40,000 dollar a day cost. Alford says it’s unlikely they get their wish…

Cut 14 (13) “…vetoes”

More than a quarter-million Louisianans have early voted in the Presidential election so far, about 90,000 more early votes than we had two days into the 2016 election. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Matt Doyle”  

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LSU starting quarterback Myles Brennan is questionable for Saturday’s home game against the South Carolina Gamecocks. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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A Mangham Police Officer is recovering after he was shot during a traffic stop on Saturday night. State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt says 27-year-old Hermandus Semien of Ville Platte shot the officer after stealing a vehicle and robbing a pharmacy in Rayville earlier in the day

Cut 3 (07)  “…Franklin Parish”  

Authorities say Semien abandoned the stolen vehicle near Fort Necessity and was taken into custody a short time later near Fort Necessity.  Semien faces several charges including attempted first-degree murder of a police officer. Reichardt says the officer will survive after getting shot in the stomach…

Cut 4 (05)   “…thank goodness”   

The officer has been identified as Marshall Waters. Reichardt says Waters pulled over Semien’s vehicle because he was speeding…

Cut 5 (08) “…Franklin Parish”

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Louisiana has seen record numbers of early voting turnout so far for the Presidential Election.

JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says anecdotes of voters waiting in long lines to cast an early ballot are strongly supported by the data.

Cut 6 (10) “voted”

Early voting is available at select locations throughout the state and runs through October 27^th. Polls are open from 8 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday.

Couvillon also notes Louisiana is following a national trend in that Democrats appear to be fired up and are early voting in disproportionately higher numbers than Republicans.

Cut 7 (10) “…night”

53 percent of Louisiana’s first-day early voters were Democrats. Statewide Democrats make up 40 percent of the electorate.

Couvillon estimates as much as 40 percent of the vote could be cast before Election Day and overall we could see sky-high participation.

Cut 8 (07) “…year”

Couvillon says more than 100,000 people have already voted by mail, three times the volume we saw four years ago.

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Because minorities are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 researchers are looking at how they learn about the pandemic. Auburn University has received a National Science Foundation grant to study a variety of demographics in Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi. Research leader Dr. Kelly Dunning says people of all income ranges will be interviewed.

Cut 9 (10) “they’ve responded”

Dunning says their research will also include populations that speak foreign languages.

Cut 10 (12) “…..view messages”

The study will compare how different populations receive their information, via print, television, radio, or social media and which format they trust.

Cut 11 (12) “…of information.”

The year-long study will interview 5,000 people and they hope to publish preliminary results next Spring.

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LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says Tigers starting quarterback Myles Brennan is questionable for Saturday’s home game against South Carolina. Orgeron says Brennan has a significant injury to his lower body, an injury that dates back to their loss at Missouri on October 10th

Cut 12 (09) “ ….this game” 

If Brennan is not healthy to play on Saturday, the Tigers will have to start a true freshman at quarterback, either Pontchatoula’s TJ Finley or Max Johnson from Georgia. Orgeron says both quarterbacks have the talent to play in the NFL…

Cut 13 (08) “…gonna start”

Orgeron says if Brennan can not play on Saturday, he’ll make a decision on who will start after Thursday’s practice. He says starting as a true freshman quarterback is not easy, but Finley and Johnson know what’s expected from them

Cut 14 (09) “…the offense”