Office of Motor Vehicle locations will remain closed until Monday as the state continues to get its computers working properly from a cybersecurity attack. Brooke Thorington has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

__________________________________

Louisiana Tech releases renderings and plans for new baseball, softball and soccer stadiums. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”    

__________________________________________

The cyberattack on state computer servers will keep Louisiana O-M-V offices closed for the rest of the week. Governor John Bel Edwards announced today the Office of Motor Vehicles will reopen on Monday

Cut 3 (11)   “Motor Vehicles” 

The ransomware attack on Monday impacted 132 servers in state government and the Office of Motor Vehicles has struggled to get its computer system to work properly.

Cut 4 (12) “…more computers”

Over the summer, several public school systems suffered a similar cyberattack and Edwards says more of them are coming, so the state will need to be prepared…

Cut 5 (12) “…of attacks” 

_______________________

Crowley Police now have a person of interest in a string of church vandalism incidents after another church was targeted this week, the sixth such incident since July.

Chief Jimmy Broussard says the incidents have all had roughly the same M.O., a vandal, or vandals tosses a brick or concrete through the glass of a church in a majority-black neighborhood.

Cut 6 (09) “building”

Broussard says they’re not sure exactly what is motivating these attacks, and they’re keeping all options open, but…

Cut 7 (07) “…crime.”

The chief says the feds have been contacted and information has been passed to them, so if you’re behind the vandalism, it’s best to turn yourself in now before federal agents charge you.

Cut 8 (05) “   …statutes”

_________________________________

St. John Parish Sheriffs are offering 3,500 dollars for information leading to an arrest of anyone involved in an August shooting ambush of an autistic man in Reserve.

Sheriff Mike Tregre believes a vehicle drove up behind 57-year-old Aurelius Burfict August 12^th around 1 AM, and suspects within opened fire on the man.

Cut 9 (10) “…did it.″

While Tregre says they know who’s behind the shooting, they can’t make an arrest because they don’t have enough evidence yet.

Cut 10 (09) “happened.”

Burfict survived the shooting, but Tregre says it’s important to get whoever did it off the streets if they’re capable of such a violent act.

Cut 11 (11) “…help”

______________________

La Tech has unveiled plans for new baseball, softball and soccer stadiums. They were destroyed last April by a tornado. Athletics Director Tommy McClelland says the new baseball stadium will remain in the same place, while softball and soccer will relocate next to the track stadium. Construction will take several months

Cut 12 (12) “…as possible.” 

FEMA reimbursement, insurance, state dollars and private donors will pay for the new facilities. But McClelland is not releasing the expected price tag…

Cut 13 (12) “…state’s permission”

The new softball stadium will hold one-thousand fans, soccer 750 and the new baseball stadium will have a capacity of 25-hundred. McClelland says there will be chair-back seats with berm seating at the new Love Shack, some of the seating will be partially covered and once fans enter the concourse they never have to leave

Cut 14 (12) “…of the field.”

The state added 3,600 seasonally adjusted non-farm jobs over the year, pulling the employment rate down about half a percent over that period. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________

Former LSU frat member Matthew Naquin now knows his fate for his role in the 2017 hazing death of Max Gruver. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”    

__________________________________________

Louisiana’s unemployment rate fell nearly a half a percent year-to-year for October, having added 3,600 seasonally adjusted non-farm jobs. The state’s unemployment rate now sits at 4.5 percent, up from 4.3 percent last month, but Workforce Commission Chief Economist Ali Bustamante says the trend is still towards growth.

Cut 3 (06)   “months” 

The state also remains in “Full Employment”.

Bustamante credits growth in the professional business services sector, which gained 3,200 jobs from this time last year.

Cut 4 (08) “…industry”

Bustamante says growth in professional services has led to record employment in the Baton Rouge and Hammond areas.

It’s not all rosy news though; year to year Monroe is down 800 jobs, Alexandria has lost 300 jobs, Houma bled 1,700 jobs, and Shreveport is down 1,600 jobs, but Bustamante sees a new trend.

Cut 5 (06) “…months” 

New Orleans lost 500 jobs over the last month, but has still gained 8,600 year to year.

_______________________

The former LSU frat member at the center of the hazing death of fraternity pledge Maxwell Gruver receives a five-year prison sentence, half of the sentence is suspended, so Matthew Naquin is set to serve two and half years. Max’s mom, Rae Ann Gruver, says Naquin showed no remorse when he addressed the court

Cut 6 (06) “…he said today.”

Naquin was found guilty in July of negligent homicide. He was also sentenced to one-thousand hours of community service and three years probation.

Judge Beau Higginbotham says Naquin must write a letter of apology to the Gruvers and speak to high school students about the dangers of hazing. Maxwell’s mother says Naquin is not the right person to lead an anti-hazing campaign…

Cut 7 (09) “…is wrong.”

Naquin is expected to bond out of prison today as he’ll remain free on bond pending appeals.

Naquin’s attorney John McLindon says he was disappointed in the sentencing as he felt it should have been more on par with others that had received lesser sentences in connection to Gruver’s death.

Cut 8 (12) “   …under the bus.”

McLindon says not enough blame has been put on Gruver who had a history of heavy drinking.

Cut 9 (10) “…responsibility in this.″

_______________________

Over a million dollars worth of drugs were seized during a bust in Shreveport thanks to K-9 cop named Mingo who sniffed out the narcotic filled shipping container.

Shreveport Police Chief Ben Raymond says they seized 24 pounds of THC wax, 2028 grams of THC gummies, 2,910 doses of THC oil, and…

Cut 10 (12) “blunts.”

The container was found in a vehicle at a home on the 100 block of Kayla Street.

Raymond says Shreveport is right on the I-20, and Raymond says it’s likely the narcotics came into Louisiana via that drug highway…

Cut 11 (09) “…citizens”

Most of the bust was THC related, and while drug offenses aren’t counted as violent crime, Raymond says they often lead to violence…

Cut 12 (09) “…safer.” 

Arrests are expected to follow soon.

________________________________________

A 14-year-old is under arrest after allegedly stabbing his 50-year-old father to death with a spear inside their Terrytown home. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says they received a call this morning from a teen who said he stabbed his father multiple times and needed assistance.

Cut 13 (06) “…scene.”

The boy is now in custody.

Lopinto says they aren’t sure what provoked the outburst this morning, but they suspect the son may have a mental illness.

Cut 14 (12) “…case.”

The Sheriff says it was a shocking discovery and a tragedy.

Cut 15 (12) “…too far.”

Senator Bill Cassidy’s legislation that would increase the amount of money Louisiana receives from offshore oil and gas revenue clears a U-S Senate Committee. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Top Republican contenders stayed out of this year’s Governor’s race, but reports say a number of GOP stars are weighing a run in 2023. Matt Doyle has the story…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”    

__________________________________________

Legislation that would direct hundreds of millions of dollars more in offshore oil and gas revenue to Louisiana clears a Senate Committee.

If it gets signed into law the change could result in a windfall for the state, but one that Senator Bill Cassidy, who authored the legislation, says is constitutionally mandated to fund coastal restoration…

Cut 3 (11)   “levees” 

The legislation would give Gulf states 50 percent of offshore revenue generated, up from 37.5 percent currently. Cassidy says it also closes a loophole that exempted some rigs from contributing revenue.

Cut 4 (05) “…amount”

The bill also eliminates the 500 million dollar cap on total payouts to states.

Cassidy is optimistic this year’s attempt will succeed where others have failed and says it’ll be a significant economic boon to the state once it passes.

Cut 5 (07) “…marshland” 

Louisiana receives roughly 44 percent of all state-directed offshore oil and gas revenue.

_______________________

The 2019 Governor’s race is in the books and ambitious Republican state leaders are reportedly eyeing a 2023 race that won’t feature a popular incumbent Democrat.

Two prominent statewide elected figures stand out as early frontrunners, one of them is Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, who tends to stay out of partisan fights, and is highly popular across party lines.

Cut 6 (10) “…better.”

That’s UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross who notes Nungesser won 68 to 32 over Democratic challenger Willie Jones in the October primary.

Cross says the other man thought to be a top contender is Louisiana’s Attorney General.

Cut 7 (10) “…Rispone.”

Cross says Landry’s more conservative reputation gives him an advantage over Nungesser.

Cross says there are also several GOP lawmakers who will consider running…

Cut 8 (10) “   …players.”

Cross says as of now it’s hard to name a Democrat who would be competitive in the 2023 governor’s race. The constitution prohibits Governor Edwards from running for a third consecutive term.

______________________

Eleven more juvenile whooping cranes have been brought to the White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area near Gueydan as the state wildlife officials attempt to re-establish the population of the rare bird. LDWF Biologist Sara Zimorski says the large birds have tracking transmitters and will be released next week, with the hopes they stay in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (12) “…throughout the year.″

Zimorski says when reintroduction efforts started in 2011, the bird was absent from the state. The state’s population of the bird at one point was as high as 10,000 but was nearly wiped out in the 1950s.

Cut 10 (08) “…of going extinct.”

Zimorski says one of the contributing factors to the bird’s decline was the disappearance of wetlands in favor of agriculture development.  Now, the birds are starting to take a liking to some of those areas too.

Cut 11 (10) “…whooping cranes prefer.”

The current total population is estimated to be over 800 with nearly 660 in the wild, 68 of those being in Louisiana.

____________________

U.S. Senator John Kennedy is the latest political figure to spotlight the conspiracy theory that multi-millionaire sex offender Jeffery Epstein may not have committed suicide in his prison cell.  Kennedy voiced his concerns during a Senate hearing with Federal Bureau of Prisons Director Kathleen Sawyer

Cut 12 (09) “…American people think.” 

Kennedy becomes the second Republican in Congress to acknowledge the speculation over Epstein’s death after Arizona Rep. Paul Gosar made tweets spelling out a message that highlighted the popular theory.  Kennedy says the American people deserve answers and acknowledged while Sawyer isn’t handling the investigation, she does talk to the people that are…

Cut 13 (09) “…a thorough investigation.”

Two correctional officers who were working the night of Epstein’s death have been arrested following accusations of falsifying documents after botching safety checks.  Epstein’s apparent suicide came before he could provide details about potential co-conspirators in sex-trafficking.  Kennedy says he wants investigators to put full focus into finding answers.

Cut 14 (07) “…they normally would.”

Black voter turnout powered Governor Edwards’ successful reelection bid. Matt Doyle spoke with one of the people behind that surge…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________________

Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh says despite having a Democratic victory over the Governor’s mansion, there is still a strong GOP counterbalance in the state legislature. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (25) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”    

__________________________________________

African American voter participation jumped six percent from the primary to the run-off, a major reason why Governor Edwards will be returning to office for another four years.

The Power Coalition was at the center of that effort, and Executive Director Ashley Shelton says the group knocked on over 298,000 doors, sent 375,000 text messages, and made over 350,000 phone calls.

Cut 3 (07)   “…old school” 

JMC Analytics says voter turnout in 70 percent black precincts was up 13 percent over the primary, compared to just 1.5 percent in 70 percent white precincts.

Shelton says this year’s minority turnout will help keep minority priorities in the conversation in Baton Rouge, regardless of party affiliation.

Cut 4 (10) “…vote.”

Shelton says President Trump’s three visits to Louisiana during the campaign also energized minority voters…

Cut 5 (10) “…vote” 

Shelton made the statements on Talk Louisiana.

_______________________

Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh criticizes his party’s inability to flip the Governor’s mansion. Seabaugh says GOP challenger Eddie Rispone had multiple flaws, from his reliance on President Trump to having young political consultants who had no idea about Louisiana politics.

Cut 6 (08) “…the Republican side.”

But this election cycle saw the GOP take a supermajority in the Senate and a near super-majority int he House. Seabaugh says if the Governor felt he had trouble working with GOP legislative leaders in his first term, he hasn’t seen anything yet.

Cut 7 (08) “…in both Houses.”

Seabaugh says the next four years could be contentious if Edwards keeps pushing left-leaning policies

Cut 8 (08) “   …can fix some.”

Seabaugh is a candidate to be the next House Speaker

______________________

Folks who come down with the flu can turn to Baloxivir (bal-OX-uh-veer), an anti-viral treatment that’s been out a little over a year publicly.

LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Fred Lopez, says the drug can reduce the severity and amount of time you’ll be sick…

Cut 9 (10) “…symptoms.”

The treatment is approved for anyone over the age of 12.

It’s not the only post-infection flu medication out there, but Lopez says unlike the others it’s just a single dose in pill form, and it’s newer…

Cut 10 (11) “…viruses.”

That being said Lopez says there’s no substitute for the flu vaccine…

Cut  11 (10) “country” 

Less than 50 percent of US adults get vaccinated for the flu every year.

____________________

The state Department of Transportation announces work will begin in January on improving the 1-20 bridge over the Mississippi River.  The two-mile bridge connects Madison Parish to Warren County, Mississippi and it was built in 1973.  DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says crews will make several significant repairs.

Cut  12 (09) “…LED-type lighting system.” 

Roadway fiber optics will also be replaced with new cameras and a radar system that integrates into Mississippi’s IT system.  Buchanan says contractors are in the assembly period to get everything they need to get the work done into place.

Cut 13 (07) “..early 2021.”

Buchanan says the structural integrity of the bridge is not in question.

Cut 14 (07) “…a 50-year-old bridge.”

The work will require single lane closures during the project.

Federal and state officials are urging air travelers to get a Real ID before next October. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Connor Ferrill.”

_____________________________

Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards beats back a hard challenge from Republican and Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone. Kevin Barnhart has reaction from Edwards’ election night headquarters…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

__________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards wins reelection after a hard-fought run-off against GOP contender Eddie Rispone. Matt Doyle spoke with an analyst about the result…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________________________

The Transportation Security Administration and the state Department of Public Safety urge the public to get their Real ID driver’s license soon, even though the Real ID requirement to fly domestically is not needed until October 1, 2020. TSA Spokesperson Sari (Saw-ree) Koshetz is visiting Louisiana airports to get the word out…

Cut 4 (12) “…out of town.”

Travelers without a Real ID after October 1st can still fly domestically, but they’ll need a passport.

State Office of Motor Vehicles administrator Jill Jarreau says to get a REAL ID, you need to visit your local DMV with various forms in hand…

Cut 5 (11) “…social security card.”

LA Wallet, Louisiana’s digital ID, will not be Real ID-compliant October 1^st of 2020 but the Office of Motor Vehicles has applied to Homeland Security to make LA Wallet an alternative to Real ID.

Jarreau says so for only 10 percent of Louisiana citizens are Real ID-compliant, so don’t wait until the last minute to pick one up from the DMV…

Cut 6 (05) “…lines.”

Visit expressway.org for a full walkthrough of the Real ID pickup process.

_________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards survived a difficult re-election campaign beating Republican challenger Eddie Rispone by two percentage points. Rispone poured millions of dollars of his own money into the campaign and President Trump made multiple visits to the state on his behalf. But Edwards says this was always a race about Louisiana issues…

Cut 7 (09) “…over politics.”

Edwards remains the only Democratic governor in the Deep South. During his first four years, the former state lawmaker from Amite, he expanded the state’s Medicaid program, approved a criminal justice reform package that had the support of Republicans. Edwards looks forward to the next four years…

Cut 8 (16) “…minimum wage.”

Rispone says despite the hard-fought loss the Republican Party has nothing to be ashamed of…

Cut 9 (08) “   …(applause fade out).”

Rispone’s main platform during the campaign was to improve Louisiana’s standing and make it the best state in the south. He says that remains the goal…

Cut 10 (11) “…what it should be.”

_____________________________

Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards wins re-election in a deep red state despite a massive push by state and national Republicans to retake the Mansion.

LSU Poli Sci Professor Robert Hogan says Edwards’ blend of cultural conservatism and dedication to popular services like healthcare and education put him at the center of the state’s political gravity.

Cut 11 (12) “voters”

This comes despite three visits to the state by President Trump in just over a month. Hogan says Rispone worked hard to tie himself to the President, but it may have been a double-edged sword.

Cut  12 (12) “turnout” 

Turnout in Orleans parish, the state’s Democratic stronghold, surged in the run-off to 49 percent, up from 39 percent in the primary.

Edwards returns for a four-year stint that Hogan says will be a lot tougher than his first term now that Republicans have a near-supermajority in the lower chamber.

Cut 13 (07) “…through”

The GOP entered the night with a supermajority in the Senate.

______________________________

The New Orleans produced the bounce-back performance they were looking for as they defeated Tampa Bay 34-17 to improve their record to 8-2. The Saints started fast and built a 20-0 lead in the second quarter, which pleased Coach Sean Payton, but he says there are areas of improvement…

Cut 14 (12) “last week” 

The defense, playing without star cornerback Marshon Lattimore, intercepted Tampa Bay four times. PJ Williams took Lattimore’s place and had an interception as he defended Bucs standout wide receiver Mike Evans. Payton says it was a good day for Williams and the defense…

Cut 15 (11) “…of games”

Saints quarterback Drew Brees threw for 228 yards and three touchdowns. Michael Thomas had a strong game with eight catches for 114 yards and a touchdown. Brees says the trust factor he has with Thomas is high…

Cut 16  (10)  …every play.  

The Saints host Carolina on Sunday. The Panthers lost to Atlanta.

_______________________________________________

Number one LSU is one win away from winning its first SEC West title since 2011 after defeating Ole Miss 58-37 in a wild game in Oxford. The Tigers had 714 total yards as Quarterback Joe Burrow threw for 489 yards and five touchdowns. But LSU’s defense couldn’t stop the Rebels ground game. Coach Ed Orgeron on what led to allowing 402 rushing yards…

Cut 17  (16)  quarterback runs”    (2x)

Ole Miss Q-B John Rhys Plumlee rushed for 212 yards and four touchdowns. But there was a sense of disappointment in the locker room, because of the play of LSU’s defense. Orgeron says the most important thing is that they won the game…

cut 18  (16)  way it is” 

________________________________________________

Southeastern Louisiana and Nicholls both won on Saturday setting up a huge game in Hammond on Thursday when the Lions host the Colonels in a game that could decide the Southland title. S-L-U, Nicholls and Central Arkansas are all tied for first place heading into the final regular-season game. Colonels Coach Tim Rebowe’s team started fast and defeated McNeese 34-20 on Saturday…

cut 19 (16), first half”    

Senior quarterback Chase Fourcade threw for 374 yards and three touchdowns to end the Cowboys’ three-game winning streak….

cut 20 (13) “ made plays”    

The 2019 governor’s race is a toss-up, with election day on Saturday. Jeff Palermo has the story..

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

__________________________________________

Both sides of the Governor’s race are rolling out the stars hoping to inspire their base to pack into polling stations tomorrow…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”    

__________________________________________

A second poll released this week shows Saturday’s election for governor is a virtual tie. The JMC Analytics survey of 600 Louisiana voters finds Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards and Republican challenger Eddie Rispone each getting 45-percent of the vote. Pollster John Couvillon says it all comes down to turnout…

Cut 3 (07)   “…both candidates” 

Couvillon is predicting a turnout of at least 52-percent. He says north Louisiana and African American voters will have a big say in this election…

Cut 4 (10) “…runoff season.”

Couvillon believes voters made up their mind a long time ago, based on his voting polling throughout the race…

Cut 5 (10) “…persuade.” 

_______________________

The time for fundraising and voter persuasion in the gubernatorial race is now over and both campaigns are pushing hard to drive voters out to the polls Saturday.

Republicans have leaned on Presidential rallies and the GOP Congressional delegation to drive interest. Senator John Kennedy is calling on all Republicans to cast a ballot…

Cut 6 (11) “Governor.”

Kennedy made the call to action at last night’s Trump rally.

Trombone Shorty, Mannie Fresh, The Soul Rebels and more will be rocking a stacked concert tonight in New Orleans for a pro-Edwards election eve turnout drive. Ivan Neville’s Dumpstafunk headlines the bill…

Cut 7 (08) “…direction”

The concert will be on Fulton St. in Downtown New Orleans.

Senator Bill Cassidy says it’ll be a close election that could be decided by a little as a thousand votes, so he’s calling for all boots on the ground…

Cut 8 (07) “   …neighbor”

Governor Edwards is set to show up to “Turn up, Turn out” tonight to make one of his last pitches to votes. Neville says he hopes the night will inspire people to head to the polls Saturday.

Cut 9 (09)  “…their lives”

Polls open at 7AM and close at 8PM tomorrow.

______________________

China lifts a ban on poultry imports from the United States.  In Louisiana, poultry is a $2 billion industry and the decision opens the market for Louisiana producers as the port of New Orleans is one of the largest poultry exporters in America.  Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says it is welcomed news.

Cut 10 (06) “…the foreign markets.”

China banned all US poultry imports in January 2015 after a bird flu outbreak in December 2014.  Strain says in 2013, the US was selling about $500 million in poultry annually to China.

Cut 11 (12) “…$4.3 billion worldwide.”

Strain believes Louisiana can meet the growing demand by taking product being held in storage and moving it.

Cut  12 (13) “poised for growth” 

____________________

Many Tiger fans are hitting the road this weekend to support the top ranked Bayou Bengals in their matchup with Ole Miss in Oxford, Mississippi.   Visit Oxford Executive Director Kinney Ferris says the excitement in the town to host the fans is high after the Tigers tamed Bama last week.

Cut 13 (11) “..influx of visitors.”

SEC Nation will be broadcasting from the town on the SEC television network.  In addition to getting fans hyped up over the game, Kinney says visitors and viewers will also see the community is ready for Christmas.

Cut 14 (11) “…for the holiday.”

Kinney says the large influx of visitors may result in the area moving at a slower pace.

Cut 15 (12) “…our small town.”

Kickoff is at 6PM.

A robo-poll survey on the governor’s race finds the electorate is split between the two candidates. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

__________________________________________

The family of a missing Caddo Parish man hopes a new push for evidence will help them find out what happened to a loved one who disappeared four years ago…

cut  2 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle”    

__________________________________________

 A telephone robo-poll of 660 likely voters finds the governor’s race a virtual tie with 49-percent of the respondents supporting Governor John Bel Edwards and 49-percent who say they plan to vote for Republican challenger Eddie Rispone. Edgewater Research pollster Doctor Edward Chervenak

Cut 3 (10)   “…show up” 

Polls are open on Saturday from 7 AM to 8 PM.

Edwgewater Research conducted a similar survey in October after the primary and Edwards had a four-percentage point lead. Chervenak says more Republicans participated in this latest survey…

Cut 4 (10) “…two polls.”

Chervenak says the poll shows there is a lot of partisan loyalty…

Cut 5 (07) “…surprising there.” 

_______________________

The state Department of Environmental Quality receives two new Mobile Air Monitoring Labs, also known as MAMLs.  Assistant secretary for environmental assessment Roger Gingles says the units have all the bells and whistles to help sample and analyze air quality data on-site and in real time.

Cut 6 (08) “…complaints or issues.”

Gingles says thousands of hours went into researching the units prior to making the purchases with funding that came from two civil penalities.

Cut 7 (10) “…supplemental environmental project.”

Gingles says the two units are mounted on a 35 foot truck chassis with a custom body to house equipment and supplies.  They will supplement an aging existing unit that is used for similar functionality.  However, with the advanced technology the two new units offer, they are quite unique.

Cut 8 (06) “   …in the country.”

_______________________________

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office seeks the public’s help in solving a four-year-old missing person’s case where a man seemingly disappeared into thin air. 33-year-old Kenneth Cole was reported missing November 21^st, 2015, and spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says Cole’s family last spoke to him a few days before…

Cut 9 (12)  “…from.”

Cole’s vehicle was recovered days after he was reported missing, but Chadwick says there was no evidence of foul play in it, and friends and family say he gave no indication he was set to disappear…

Cut 10 (09) “…as well.”

Chadwick says often people have information about missing person cases that they don’t think is relevant, but every little bit helps…

Cut 11 (11) “ phone call”

People with information are encouraged to call the Sheriff’s office, and those seeking anonymity can call Crime Stoppers.

____________________

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 60-year-old man for allegedly tossing nails and screws on his neighbors’ driveway. Sheriff’s office spokesperson Glen Springfield says apparently Prentice Lamar Tedeton could not get along with his neighbors…

Cut  12 (08) ” few years” 

Tedeton has been charged with three counts of stalking and four counts of criminal mischief. Springfield says trying to harm your neighbor or their property is never a good idea, call law enforcement instead…

Cut 13 (09) “…be arrested.”

Tedeton denies the accusations. Springfield says at least three homes in the Calhoun area reported having the nails and screws in their driveway and video surveillance caught a possible suspect

Cut 14 (12) “…stalking charges.”

We may break a few daily record low temperatures across the state tonight as temperatures plummet. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________________

A West Monroe woman is accused of abandoning her one-year-old child with strangers.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”    

__________________________________________

If you think it’s chilly out right now, just wait for tonight: low temperatures are expected to hit the 20s for most of the state, with lows in the low 30s near the coast.

National Weather Service meteorologist Robert Ricks says it’s unusual for a freeze this hard to hit this early in November.

Cut 3 (07)   “…all time.” 

Freeze warnings are in effect from the Arkansas line down to Baton Rouge.

Good news is at least the hard freeze is not expected to stay for long. Ricks says temperatures will be out of the 20s by tomorrow afternoon.

Cut 4 (07) “…tomorrow night.”

The high wind gusts much of the state is experiencing are also expected to die down by this afternoon.

State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the freeze means heaters across the state will be turning on tonight, so make sure you check your smoke detector or go get one before night falls.

Cut 5 (08) “…your home.” 

Browning says his office offers Operation Save A Life smoke detectors for those in need, but it may take a few days to receive your device.

Most home fires in cold weather are caused by space heaters. Browning urges residents to follow space heater safety guidelines…

Cut 6 (11) “…that happens”

_______________________

Louisiana Tech reaches its Forever Loyal campaign goal raising more than $125 million to support University initiatives. The campaign was designed to help face challenges and discover potential. Vice President for University advancement Brooks Hull says growth in the donor base has helped hit the goal.

Cut 7 (07) “…28% in donors.”

Hull says almost 70,000 gifts have been given in the campaign with well over 20,000 donors.

Cut 8 (06) “   …and science building.”

Hull says the money will go toward scholarships, faculty recruitment, research and teaching grants, as well as campus building improvements.

Cut 9 (10)  “…those as well.”
Hull says they expect many more contributions through the end of the campaign on June 30^th, 2020, which also is the end of the school’s 125th-year celebration.

______________________

Ten-million dollars in hurricane recovery money will go towards building new homes to replace the old FEMA trailers that have been at Camp Beauregard in Pineville since 2005. Guardsmen and their families live in these trailers and Louisiana National Guard Colonel Ed Bush says the soldiers will appreciate an upgrade…

Cut 10 (06) “…to accomplish.”

There are 40 trailers that are in place at Camp Beauregard. Bush says the  10-million dollars will go towards building about 50 new homes…

Cut 11 (09) “ which is huge”

The money actually comes from Hurricanes Ike and Gustav, which both hit Louisiana in 2018. Bush says the new homes will provide a substantial improvement for the soldiers and airmen who live on the post

Cut  12 (12) “is really huge” 

________________________

A West Monroe woman is charged with cruelty to a juvenile after leaving her one-year-old child with strangers.  Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Glen Springfield says witnesses say the woman, 28-year-old Tiera Mooney, was wet and holding a baby when she knocked on their door and gave them the child and began to leave.

Cut 13 (09) “…the lady was.”

Deputies later located the woman in a small wooded area not far from the residence. Springfield says Mooney was also charged with criminal trespassing for heading to the next-door residence.

Cut 14 (10) “…with the strangers.”

Springfield says a motive is unclear.

Cut 15 (06) “…not real coherent.”

Bail has not been set.

LSU turns its attention to Ole Miss after ending an eight-game losing streak to Alabama. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Louisiana broke a record for early voting turnout in a non-Presidential election. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”    

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Dozens of veterans attended a Veteran’s Day ceremony today at the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge. Raymond Broussard, a retired marine, says military personnel appreciate the thanks they receive on this day

Cut 3 (10)   “…we get now.” 

There is an estimated 284-thousand veterans living in Louisiana. Broussard says former military service personnel are treated much better than now than post-Vietnam…

Cut 4 (09) “…community now.”

The Veteran’s Day Ceremony at the Old State Capitol was one of over 40 events taking place today to honor our living soldiers. There was a beautiful rendition of God Bless America…

Cut 5 (16) “…(applause).” 

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Unseasonable cold temperatures are on the way from a front that hits the state this afternoon. National Weather Service Meteorologist Patrick Omundson says the front will bring a little rain and very strong winds. He says a wind advisory is in effect for the northern half of the state from tonight until tomorrow morning…

Cut 6 (10) “…the evening”

Omundson says temperatures will dip below freezing along the I-20 corridor and upper 20s near the Arkansas border…

Cut 7 (09) “…wind chills”

The coldest night is tomorrow night as temps will fall into the mid-20s in south Lousiana on Wednesday morning. Omundson says it’s warm today, but rest of the week will be cold

Cut 8 (08) “   weekend”

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The Louisiana Office of State Parks wants to hear your thoughts about the state’s outdoor offerings by filling out a form on public-input-dot-com-slash-Play-OutDoors-LA.

Director of Outdoor Recreation Mitchell Aleshire says the survey will help guide future development and investment in the Sportsman’s Paradise, and they want to know…

Cut 9 (11)  “…funds”

Aleshire says there’s a lot of value in the data they are capturing because it covers every kind of outdoor recreation.

Cut 10 (12) “…fishing.”

Aleshire says filling out the survey will help Louisiana score additional federal grant money that can be used to upgrade outdoor facilities.

Cut 11 (10) “years”

The 23 question survey will be available through December 31^st.

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489,649 Louisianans early voted for the run-off, a record shattering number of early voters for a non-Presidential election.

Unlike in the primary, the early voting electorate looks a lot friendlier to Governor Edwards. 31 percent of all early voters were African American, and…

Cut  12 (09) “happened” 

That’s JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon who says three of those times were during 2008 when Barack Obama was first elected President.

Couvillon says to put the 31 percent overall black turnout and the 40 percent last day of early voting black turnout in perspective…

Cut 13 (11) “…getting”

Couvillon expects total early voting to hit 500,000 when absentee ballots are counted, and you should see about one to 1.1 million votes when you extrapolate that out to total run-off participation…

Cut 14 (11) “…range.”

Louisiana thanks its Veterans today with 42 different events across the state. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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LSU’s win over longtime rival Alabama will go down as one of the best victories in program history. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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Ruston scores a 17 million dollar grant that will help the city overhaul the connection between the LA Tech campus and downtown. Matt Doyle spoke with Mayor Ronny Walker…

Cut 3 (30) “…Matt Doyle”

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Veterans Day honors military service members across the nation today. The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs will be a part of 42 different events to help celebrate those who have served. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Alex Juan spokesperson says if you can only make it to one event…

Cut 4 (10) “…themselves.”

Juan says Veterans Day gives people the opportunity to thank veterans and ponder the many sacrifices service members make to serve the country…

Cut 5 (11) “…as well.”

Juan says Veterans Day is a significant day in history where the guns of the First World War went silent…

Cut 6 (05) “…ceremonies.”

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It’s the last week of the gubernatorial campaign.  UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says both candidates need to focus on their core constituents. He says Rispone must appeal to his base of rural conservatives and Trump supporters and he needs the support of his former opponent.

Cut 7 (09) “…really great.”

Cross says Edwards should focus on African American voters and also reiterate that the state is not in a financial crisis.

Cut 8 (09) “…without a doubt.”

Cross says while the candidates focus on voters this week we can expect the PACS to only sharpen their attack ads on a variety of topics this week.

Cut 9 (12)  “…fever pitch.”

The run-off is on Saturday, November 16^th.

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The eight-game losing streak to Alabama is over. The Fighting Tigers went into Tuscaloosa on Saturday and beat the Crimson Tide 46-41 in a game that was quite the departure from LSU’s last victory over Bama, 9-to-6 in 2011. Coach Ed Orgeron told the guys before the game they were the better team…

Cut 10 (12) “…need to be.”

The victory puts the Tigers in the driver’s seat to win the SEC West and play in the conference championship game in December. The Bayou Bengals still have three more regular-season games and Orgeron says he will not let his team become complacent…

Cut 11 (12) “…next step”

Quarterback Joe Burrow threw for 393 yards and three touchdowns and he’s now the frontrunner to win the Heisman Trophy. Burrow says that’s not his number one goal…

Cut  12 (12) “…this year” 

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Ruston receives a 17-million dollar federal transportation grant to transform the city’s connection with Louisiana Tech. Mayor Ronny Walker says the money will go towards building seamless transition of streets, bike paths, and walkways leading from downtown Ruston to the Tech campus.

Cut 13 (11) “…move”

Baton Rouge also received a 15 million dollar grant to create a bus rapid transit project.

Part of the money will go towards installing a high tech sensor array throughout the area that Walker says will become a testbed for other smart city projects.

Cut 14 (10) “things” 

Walker says they aren’t sure when they’re going to get the money, but once it is received, it should take about three years before the project is complete.

Cut 15 (06) “…worked out.”

Walker says 895 cities applied for the grant. Ruston was one of 92 cities that were ultimately awarded.

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The Saints were on the wrong end of the biggest upset of the NFL season on Sunday as the one and seven Falcons came into the Superdome and flew back to Atlanta 26-9 win over New Orleans. The loss drops the Black and Gold’s record to 7-and-2. Coach Sean Payton gives credit to the Falcons

Cut 16  (15)  …with me’.  

The Saints never found the end zone as Quarterback Drew Brees was sacked six times. And New Orleans only had 52 rushing yards as the offensive line had a bad day. Brees. on the troubles the offense had

Cut 17  (15)  all that”   

The Saints were just 3-of-12 on third downs. Brees says the 12 penalties against New Orleans didn’t help…

cut 18  (27)    score points” 

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ULM used a balanced attack to beat Georgia State 45-31 on Saturday. The Warhawks rushed for 299 yards and threw for 291. Warhawks Coach Matt Viator says the defense also did its job

cut 19 (16),   for us”    

The win snaps a two-game losing streak. Viator is glad to see his team back respond after a tough homecoming loss to Arkansas State

cut 20 (23) “ about em”