_______________________________________________

Hit songwriter and guitarist Tony Joe White from West Carroll Parish has died suddenly at the age of 75 from a heart attack. White was born on a cotton farm near Oak Grove and is best known for writing the 1969 hit “Polk Salad Annie” and “Rainy Night in Georgia.” Oak Grove native Harriet Monroe Miller says White would often come back to his hometown

Cut 3 (10) “…all of us”

Five years after Polk Salad Annie came out, White released Saturday Nite in Oak Grove, Louisiana. Miller says White also wrote a couple of hit songs for Tina Turner and worked with the King of Rock Elvis Presley

Cut 4 (12) “…on and on″

Miller describes White as a kind and caring man, when he wasn’t writing country and blues songs. She remembers when they had Tony Joe White appreciation day in Oak Grove in 1993

Cut 5 (08)  “…particular day” 

 ______________________________________

 

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

Cut 6 (12)  “…not an excuse.”

Rodrigue says there is a free option in the event that your home needs smoke detectors.

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

Rodrigue says in the event of an emergency, a smoke alarm can be vital.

Cut 8 (05) “…in a fire emergency.”

 

_______________________________________

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

Cut 9 (06) “…definitely a problem.”

Carnline says the teacher didn’t state why she had decided to indulge in an adult beverage while on campus.

Cut 10 (06) “…to go home.”

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

Cut 11 (07) “…a wine bag.”

_______________________

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

Cut 12 (12)   “…we are Americans.”

Cassidy says politicians have a responsibility to be cautious with their words as they have the ability to make an impact on those that are, as he puts it, not quite right.

Cut 13 (10) “…take it literally.“

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

_____________________________________________________

The Saints have a chance at redemption on Sunday night when they visit the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota delivered a heart breaking loss to New Orleans in the playoffs last season scoring on a 61-yard touchdown pass on the final play of the game. Quarterback Drew Brees says he’s moved on from that game, but knows the Vikings still have a tough defense…

Cut 14 (11) “…that defense”

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

Cut 15 (15) “…same page”

_______________________________________________

The Board of Regents will ask for a $172 million increase in state funding for public colleges next year. The request would push state funding for higher ed to $1.2 billion for the budget year that begins July 1. Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says the additional funding will help students who are struggling with the rising cost of education

Cut 3 (11) “…students to participate”

A significant amount of the money would be used toward keeping schools from raising fees next year.  Reed says they also want to use some of the funds towards future-proofing the educational system.

Cut 4 (10) “…evolve the system.″

The Regents say charges on students increased 107% over the last 11 years.  Reed says the message is clear when it comes to cuts to higher education.

Cut 5 (05)  “…for our students.” 

 ______________________________________

 

LSU’s Manship School and the Cook Political Report have surveyed congressional battleground districts nationwide and say Democrats have around a double digit average advantage in races that will likely determine control of the House. Public Policy Lab Director Mike Henderson says in suburban districts that will likely decide the election, the President is dragging down GOP candidates.

 

Of the 1,500 people surveyed, 500 of them came from 69 districts rated as close races by Cook.

Much has been made of a potential “blue wave” of energized Democrats voting en masse in a repudiation of President Donald Trump, but Henderson says their findings indicate the participation gap may not be as big as advertised.

 

Cut 7 (08)  “…midterms”

There are 12 million more registered Democrats than Republicans nationwide. Registered Democrats still also hold the lead in Louisiana.

Midterms are notoriously low turnout affairs, but experts  say the nation’s heightened political fervor over the last two years will likely lead to the highest total participation rates in decades. LSU Professor James Carville says that could lead to some unexpected results.

Cut 8 (11) “…to go”

The survey also indicates most Americans are at least somewhat confident that foreign intervention will not be an issue for the election.

_______________________________________

The FDA has approved a new drug that can reduce the severity of the flu, and it  works against drug-resistant strains. Xofluza has been found to reduce flu symptoms if the patient has been sick for less than 48 hours. LSU Health New Orleans Professor and Infectious Disease Specialist Fred Lopez says it’s similar to TamiFlu.

Cut 9 (12)  “two days.”

The 150 dollar price tag is similar to the other three FDA recommended flu treatments, but with insurance Xofluza will generally cost around 30 dollars.

Lopez says after a busy season last year, it’s certainly possible that many of the flu strains this year have developed resistances to popular post-infection medications. The Professor says because Xofluza targets different systems than treatments like Tamiflu, it’s less likely to be shrugged off…

Cut 10 (07)  “…those viruses.”

But Lopez stressed it’s still no replacement for getting a flu shot. He says considering how deadly last season was, it would be foolish not to get this year’s shot…

Cut 11 (10) “the flu.”

Lopez says the average effectiveness level for flu shots over the past few years has been 40 to 60 percent.

_______________________

The state fire marshal’s office has charged a 41-year-old woman with negligent homicide after her 11-year-old child died in a camper fire during the overnight hours in Beuregard Parish. State fire marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says Jenny Stafford of Singer admitted to not being home when the fire started…

Cut 12 (12)   “…smoke and flames”

Stafford also face drug charges. Rodrigue says they don’t have a cause for the fire and firefighters discovered the body of the child in a bedroom.

Cut 13 (07) “…that camper”

The coroner’s office will make an official identification on the child. Rodrigue says Stafford admits to leaving the sleeping child unattended in order to go next door to do drugs…

Cut 14 (04) “…infuriating”

_______________________________________________

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has released the results of its latest analysis on national and state-by-state obesity rates among youth and it ranks Louisiana as the fourth worst in the nation.  Senior Program Officer for the foundation, Jamie Bussel says the data indicates that around 1 in 6 kids age 10 to 17 are obese.

Bussel says everyone has a role to play in reducing youth obesity rates and says one thing that can help is seeing policymakers ensure kids are given the ability to be healthy.

 ______________________________________

Up to ten additional parents have come forward with information suggesting Benton Elementary School teacher “Perry” Norcross of Bossier City behaved inappropriately with their child. Norcross is facing rape and video voyeurism charges related to two other students. Bossier Parish Sherriff Spokesperson Lt. Bill Davis says it’s likely the new allegations will lead to additional charges.

 

The 47-year-old Norcross has been employed at the school since 2004 as a teacher, PE instructor, and archery coach. Because of how long Norcross worked at Benton, authorities aren’t ruling out how far back the alleged abuses may have occurred, and are asking anyone, regardless of age, to come forward with information.

Cut 7 (10)  “…such things”

If you were a victim, or the parent of a victim of Norcross, Davis says they have professionals ready to assist with the healing process.

Cut 8 (09) “…accordingly”

Norcross is being held at a maximum security facility on a bond of 900,000 dollars.

_______________________________________

After touring the damaged Sunshine Bridge in St. James Parish, Governor John Bel Edwards announced plans for it to re-open in January 2019. The estimated cost to repair the damage is five-million dollars.  Edwards says the state will go after the barge operator to pick up the tab, not only the repairs, but the extra law enforcement costs in redirecting traffic.

Cut 9 (07)  “with the repairs.”

The bridge has been closed for nearly two weeks since a barge-mounted crane hit the structure. Marquette Transportation was operating the towboat moving the barge. Marquette Transportation has reportedly hit at least 32 bridges in the last 5 1/2 years and has not been sanctioned or fined.

Edwards says crews will be working around the clock to fix the bridge, but windy conditions could cause delays…

Cut 10 (08)  “…this bridge is reopened.”

Edwards saw drone footage and photos prior to today’s visit, and says after seeing the damage first hand, it’s much more severe than what he initially anticipated.

Cut 11 (11) “that bridge is.”

_______________________

Alongside the announcement that John Kennedy will announce his gubernatorial intentions by December 1^st, the U.S. Senator released a poll showing he leads Governor Edwards 48 percent to 39 percent in a theoretical race. UL Lafayette Political Sci Professor Pearson Cross says the survey is a reminder that Edwards faces tough re-election chances…

Cut 12 (10)   “…so lucky”

The poll by SurveyUSA was commissioned by Kennedy.

The survey, which polled 605 likely voters, noted Kennedy had the highest approval rating in the state at 57 percent, eclipsing his potential Republican rival Jeff Landry, who sat at 41 percent. Cross says Landry’s political feud with the governor has made the A-G less popular

Cut 13 (08) “…between them.”

That being said, Cross says you may want to take these results with a grain of salt…

Cut 14 (08) “…the poll”

The only Republican in the race right now, Eddie Rispone, has a 13 percent favorability rating with most voters not having an opinion one way or the other.

_______________________________________________

With no hot races in Louisiana, a low voter turnout is expected for the November 6th election, but JMC Analytics Publisher John Couvillon is even more bullish, saying turnout could be close to 30-percent, because of the national political climate.

Cut 3 (08) “…peer pressure there.” 

Analysts say national turnout could crack 55 percent, which would be more than double the 2014 midterm numbers.

Couvillon says the only Congressional race that may get a bit interest is the 3rd district, where Clay Higgins faces a Republican challenger and a crowded democratic field. Even then the analyst says he expects Higgins to avoid a run-off, and the rest of the congressional races shouldn’t be close…

Cut 4 (11) “…near 80.″

If any candidates fail to crack 50 percent, the election run-offs would be held December 8^th.

Couvillon says Secretary of State Candidates are still flying under the radar. The pollster says that’s due to the position’s low profile, and fundraising difficulties.

Cut 5 (11)  “…full rotation” 

Early voting for the November ballot runs through Tuesday, but closed on Sunday.

______________________________________

A Moss Bluff man is facing charges of attempted second degree murder after allegedly shooting at his wife.  Calcasieu Sheriff Tony Mancuso says 36 year old Robert Moreau was driving home with his wife from a party with a gun in his lap when he threatened to shoot her.  It escalated as they got home.

Cut 6 (09)  “…grab the gun.”

Upon disarming Moreau, one of the couple’s three sons, ages 10, 12, and 14, then pulls another gun on Moreau and threatened him if he doesn’t leave their mother alone.  Mancuso says this did not sit well with Moreau.

Cut 7 (10)  “…and taking shots”

The rest of the family fled to a neighbor’s house, while Moreau took off in his truck.  Authorities tried to stop him, but Mancuso says the Moreau led them on a 4 mile pursuit.

Cut 8 (11) “…to do that.”

Moreau’s bond was set just shy of a quarter million dollars.

_______________________________________

LSU says the SEC will not overturn Devin White’s suspension for the first half of the Alabama game, because of targeting a Mississippi State player. So can legal action be taken? Legal analyst Tim Meche says LSU would have no problem finding a Baton Rouge judge to grant a temporary injunction, but it comes with a risk

Cut 9 (10)  “bowl game”

Suspended Hahnville High School quarterback, Andrew Robison, received a court order to play football, but he’s yet to take the field, because the LHSAA could hand down future penalties. Meche says the same thing could happen to LSU, if a judge ruled White can play Bama…

Cut 10 (08)  “…the SEC”

Meche says it would be a stretch for a group of fans to file a lawsuit against the SEC and get a judge to grant a temporary injunction against the suspension and it’s unlikely LSU or White will take legal action. His advice as a legal mind and fan is for the program to move on

Cut 11 (07) “the game”

_______________________

The Advocate newspaper reports that Marquette Transportation, the barge operator that’s responsible for hitting the Sunshine Bridge at Donaldsonville, had 32 collisions or “brush-ups” with bridges since 2013, and were not penalized. Ascension Parish Council Chairman Bill Dawson says their piloting should have been addressed much sooner.

Cut 12 (09)   “…true there”

Dawson worked for decades and is currently a consultant in the industry, and when asked if the pilot who took the crane barge into the bridge should have been allowed out on the water…

Cut 13 (06) “…solution.”

The report shows the US Coast Guard has not referred the company for penalties despite incidents that have caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage that triggered “informal investigations”. Dawson says it’s clear the Coast Guard needs to reform how it tracks company and pilot accidents on the river.

Cut 14 (11) “…lower level.”

According to the report, Marquette Transportation collision or near miss incidents have not resulted in fatalities, or enough damage to trigger a more substantial investigation by higher levels of the guard.

_______________________________________________

 

A woman who says she was raped 20 years ago recognizes her alleged rapist at a wedding reception last June and now that man is behind bars. 38-year-old John Louis Davis of Baker has been charged with aggravated rape after the woman got his name and contacted authorities. Baton Rouge Police Sergeant Don Coppola says the rape occurred during the early morning hours of New Year’s Day in 1998

Cut 3 (07) “…this lady.” 

Coppola says they believe they got the right guy, because the woman recently picked Davis out of a photo lineup and DNA evidence connects Davis to the crime…

Cut 4 (08) “…booked accordingly.″

Coppola says the victim did the right thing by alerting authorities after she recognized her attacker 20 years later

Cut 5 (10)  “…to his arrest” 

______________________________________

LSU will wear special uniforms versus Mississippi State Saturday night that will commemorate the “Silent Season” of 1918, where the Tigers did not play football because of World War One. LSU equipment manager Greg Stringfellow says the timing seems right to conduct a tribute of this nature.

Stringfellow says the jersey and pants will be white, the numbers are purple and no name on the back to honor the unknown members of the LSU community who died in World War One.

Stringfellow says the paint scheme of the color changing helmet has an iridescent effect between purple and gold, not only showcases the school colors but is a reference to the history of Mardi Gras.

_______________________________________

It may be a warmer than normal winter outlook across most of the country, but forecasts say Louisiana will be in for an average Bayou Winter, with above average rain totals. State Climatologist Barry Keim says that’s due to the likely presence of a weak El Nino that’s sending cloudy weather our way.

Cut 9 (10)  “than normal”

That weak El Nino will mean more stormy weather for the gulf coast, but Keim says they aren’t the same as those Hurricane Season monsters that pummel us during summer.

Cut 10 (09)  “…rainfall”

And for those excited about a great possibility of snow due to the higher than average rainfall totals, Keim says you may want to temper your expectations.

Cut 11 (07) “in Louisiana”

No part of the country is expected to see colder than normal temperatures this season.

_______________________

A tip from the Sabine Parish Sherriff’s Office led to the arrest of a man in Waveland, Mississippi, who allegedly killed 23-year-old Lynnquithis January of Many. Joe Dewil says the suspect, 23-year-old Darrell Williams Junior was living in  Mississippi at the time he committed the crime.

Cut 12 (07)   “…the murder.”

When Hancock County Deputies pulled over Williams Jr. and his wife, they say they discovered 3.5 pounds of pot, a .40 caliber, and 11,000 in cash.  Dewil says despite the charges in Waveland, Williams will likely be extradited to Louisiana soon.

Cut 13 (07) “…there”

January was killed June 18th at a Many apartment complex. Dewil says it’s been an extensive investigation spanning multiple departments across two states.

Cut 14 (10) “…office.”

_______________________________________________

 

Bad news for those who use the Sunshine Bridge at Donaldsonville. Transportation officials say the highway that links both sides of Ascension Parish will be closed for weeks, because extensive repairs are needed after a crane barge hit the structure. Donaldsonville Mayor Leroy Sullivan understands the frustration…

Cut 3 (09) “…to work.” 

Sullivan says the bridge’s closure is also impacting local businesses and it will cause problems for emergency vehicles trying to respond to a call for help…

Cut 4 (12) “…counts″

State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says they have identified a contractor to make the repairs to the bridge, but it’s not an easy fix. Sullivan says from what he’s been told by DOTD officials, the structure took a huge hit…

Cut 5 (09)  “…very serious” 

______________________________________

 

Another round of Louisiana emergency response officials have been dispatched to the Panhandle to aid Floridians impacted by the devastating Hurricane Michael. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says has a team member there helping to get gasoline into the hurricane stricken area….

Cut 6 (07)  “…fuel operations.”

Six Louisiana Homeland Security and Preparedness team members have also entered the disaster zone.

Strain says his team, and GOHSEP, train year round to respond to disasters in Louisiana, but their unique level of experience has made Bayou State emergency response officials coveted members of the nationwide response to disaster.

Cut 7 (10)  “…other nations”

Strain says the response team may be set to come home in two weeks.

Cut 8 (10) “…standby”

__________________________

You can now purchase alcohol at grocery stores and gas stations in unincorporated areas of Ouachita parish on Sundays as result of a 4-2 vote by the Ouachita Parish Policy Jury. Jury President Scotty Robinson says he voted for the ordinance, after polling residents

Cut 9 (12)  “…;lost the bet”

Religious leaders argued that alcohol should not be sold on Sunday, because it’s the Lord’s Day. Others raised concerns that it will lead to more alcohol abuse. But Robinson says most people who buy alcohol, drink responsibly….

Cut 10 (08)  “…drunkard”

Robinson says they heard from business owners who support Sunday alcohol sales, because they can not compete with stores in Monroe, Sterlington and Richwood, where you can already buy alcohol on Sundays…

Cut 11 (03) “…leveled out”

_______________________

The Mega Millions jackpot for tonight is the third largest jackpot in US lottery history and its the most ever for the multi-state lottery game. The payout is 667-million dollars, or over 372 million if you take the straight cash option. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says the demand has been remarkable.

Cut 12 (06)   “…ever.”

And it’s built up that near record breaking jackpot in roughly only three months. Annison says last time around someone on the west coast took the win.

Cut 13 (08) “…could hit.”

Annison wants to remind folks that the lotto does provide a good deal of funding to state education coffers, so if you don’t take home the big prize, there’s still something to be happy about.

Cut 14 (07) “education.”

The lotto contributed 3.5 billion in revenue to the state since its founding in 1991.

____________________________________________

_______________________________________________

 

The Legislative Auditor says there’s some problems with child care standards in Louisiana. Auditor Krista Baker-Hernandez says the state lacks many of the nationally recognized regulations on child care, such as our core licensing standards…

Cut 3 (11) “…providers.” 

The report revealed Louisiana is one of only eight states to allow unlicensed caregivers to watch over six children at a time. Baker-Hernandez says when someone is suspected of improprieties, there’s not an effective process to follow up with a proper investigation.

Cut 4 (11) “…illegally″

And when those improprieties were discovered, Baker-Hernandez says they discovered the Department of Education did not always pursue proper disciplinary measurers.

Cut 5 (10)  “…investigations.” 

LDE says they agree with the Auditor’s findings, and are taking steps to implement new policy.

______________________________________

 

It’s unknown when the Sunshine Bridge in Donaldsonville will re-open. It’s been closed since Friday morning when a barge with a large crane on it slammed into the 54-year-old bridge causing extensive damage. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says they are working on plans to make the repairs

Cut 6 (08)  “…part done.”

About 25-thousand travelers use the bridge to get across the Mississippi River on a daily basis. Mallett says motorists are encouraged to use the Veterans Memorial Bridge as an alternate river crossing. He says they also have two ferries in Plaquemine running longer hours…

Cut 7 (10)  “…as well”

Mallett says several vital components of the bridge are in need of repair, so they can NOT even use a portion of the bridge for traffic, while repairs are being made…

Cut 8 (10) “…longer trip”

__________________________

LSU will have to open up its wallet, because the SEC has fined the school 100-thousand dollars because fans rushed the field following the Tigers upset victory over Georgia. Athletic Director Joe Alleva shares the conference’s concerns for safety, but linebacker Michael Divinity appreciated Tiger Nation’s passion…

Cut 9 (12)  “…thank the fans”

If LSU beats Alabama in three weeks and the fans rush the field again, the fine will increase to 250-thousand dollars. Louisiana native and Coach Ed Orgeron says celebrating the victory with the fans on the field was a special moment…

Cut 10 (11)  “…picture yet”

The fine money will go the SEC’s post-graduate scholarship fund. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson says the fans were a big part in the win over Georgia…

Cut 11 (08) “…our energy”

_______________________

The first ad of the Secretary of State’s race is out, and despite being a nominally non-partisan position, the ad is chock full of red meat for conservatives. It’s being aired by Interim Secretary Kyle Ardoin. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says it’s a bureaucratic position, but highlighting your technical qualifications probably won’t get you elected.

Cut 12 (10)   “…anybody.”

Stockley says Ardoin’s ad will likely help deflect heat from a scandal at his office involving alleged bid rigging in the bidding process for new voting machines.

Ardoin served as Assistant Secretary since 2010, but took over the lead seat back in May after his former boss resigned in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal. Stockley says despite being able to call it a “reelection’ campaign…

Cut 13 (10) “…position.”

The victim of the alleged harassment claims Ardoin was aware of his boss’s actions at the time. Ardoin denies those allegations.

Republican opponents have been hammering Ardoin for alleged improprieties with one even going as far as saying removing him would remove the scandal from the office, so Stockley says they likely won’t be too happy about the ad’s message.

Cut 14 (11) “to this.”

_______________

_______________________________________________

 

LSU President F. King Alexander is defending the university’s decision to use a holistic admission standards, in the wake of reports that 7.5 percent of the freshman class did not meet traditional GPA or ACT requirements. On Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster, Alexander said sometimes scores don’t tell the full story about a prospective student’s aptitude.

Cut 3 (11) “…junior year” 

previously the board of regents allowed for four percent of students to fall below the 3.0 GPA and 22 ACT requirement.

Alexander says the process benefits not only those who’ve had family hardship, but also out of state students who excelled academically, but did not have a high school curriculum that included all of the classes necessary to attend LSU.

cut 4 (09) “…vanishes immediately″

All but three SEC schools use the holistic approach, those schools being Bama, Arkansas, and Ole Miss, who is about to change to the policy in the near the future. Alexander says while the new policy will help high out of state achievers make it to Baton Rouge, it won’t keep out locals.

Cut 5 (10)  “…of state” 

______________________________________

 

A meter reader for Entergy has been fired after falsifying meter readings and now about four-thousand Entergy customers in southeast Louisiana are experiencing sticker shock with their latest bills. Entergy Vice President of Distribution Melonie Stewart…

Cut 6 (11)  “…the normal bill .”

Stewart says after a rereading of the meters, they have the most accurate measure of the energy used by customers.

Cut 7 (05)  “…energy they used.”

Stewart says they are giving customers many months to pay the heavy bill.

Cut 8 (07) “…right for them.”

Stewart says there is no word on the meter readers motivation in the falsified readings.

__________________________

The Office of State Procurement voids a multi-million dollar contract that would have replaced the state’s aging voting machines. Louisiana’s chief procurement officer found flaws in how interim Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin selected Dominion Voting Systems. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this could hurt Ardoin’s chances in the Secretary of State race…

Cut 9 (06)  “…don’t know.”

Ardoin is one of nine candidates seeking election to the Secretary of State’s post. The election is November sixth. But Pinsonat says the candidates in the race will bring this up on why Ardoin shouldn’t be elected…

Cut 10 (07)  “…favor”

The Secretary of State’s office is appealing the decision and Ardoin says the Edwards administration rejected the contract, because a lobbyist for a losing bidder is a supporter of the governor. Pinsonat says name recognition is lacking in the Secretary of State’s race, so the candidates are taking a risk by paying for commercial spots to attack Ardoin…

Cut 11 (09) “…negatives on him.”

_______________________

For the first time in a long time, much of the state will see low temperatures into the 50s tomorrow morning. Rob Megnia, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says the summer heat has finally dissipated…

Cut 12 (08)   “…70-degrees”

Megnia says the cool air will remain in place for the rest of the week, with a slight warm-up beginning on Saturday….

Cut 13 (08) “ on Saturday”

Megnia says another cold front is expected early next week…

Cut 14 (11) “like Fall”