LSU place-kicker Cole Tracy is reaching folk hero status after kicking the game winning field goal versus Auburn. Cole is a graduate transfer from Assumption College in Massachusetts.  Now, that school is seeing donations from LSU fans in Cole’s honor.  Assumption College Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Tim Stanton, says the donations started coming after LSU’s win over Miami.

Cut 3 (07) “…$4000 total.” 

Stanton says he regularly speaks with Tracy, who has expressed his excitement over the donations which have nearly reached $4,000.

Cut 4 (10) “…about this happening.”

Stanton says with nearly $4,000 received so far, if the donations continue to accumulate, the school may do something big in Tracy’s honor.

cut 5 (10)  “…call it Tracy Field” 

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The civil case involving the Alton Sterling shooting has uncovered a communication sent one year before Sterling’s shooting death by Officer Blane Salamoni where one his superiors questioned the former Baton Rouge cop’s sanity. Sterling Family Attorney Chris Stewart says the revelation validates the family’s claim that Salamoni should have never been given his badge.

Cut 6 (11) “…the streets.”

Sterling’s attorneys say unless the city agrees to settle the case, they plan on doing a deep dive into communications between everyone in elected positions, from the city council to the mayor, to discover if anyone else knew about Salamoni’s history.

Attorney Michael Adams says the new information raises some serious questions about BRPD’s hiring and discipline process.

Cut 7 (11) “…the country”

A trial date is set for April 20th, 2020.

Adams says his clients are pushing for a quick resolution to the civil case, and warns they’re ready to make life uncomfortable for city officials if they refuse a settlement.

Cut 8 (10) “this case.”

Blane Salamoni was cleared by both federal and state investigations of any criminal wrong doing in the shooting death of Alton Sterling in July of 2016.

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A report out of the UK says it’s discovered at least 200 couples say video game phenomenon Fortnite is turning their marriage into a battle royale, and risking divorces. It’s the biggest game on the market at the moment, and LSU Health New Orleans Clinical Psychologist Dr. Michelle Moore says if you say your relationship is failing because of a game, there’s likely something else going on…

cut 9 (10) “…a concern”

40 million play the game every month, along with hundreds of millions of views on streaming platform for the 25 minutes matches, but like all popular hobbies, Moore says it needs to be done in moderation.

Cut 10 (08) “the day”

Moore says before diving into a match, make a game plan with your significant other about just how long you intend to play.

Cut 11 (12)“…youre playing”

The World Health Organization estimates two or three percent of gamers have a gaming disorder that stimulates compulsive play.

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Some of Louisiana’s 100-person contingent of first responders in South Carolina are coming home, while the others will continue rescue operations for the next week as waters continue to rise as a result of Florence. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says Louisiana firefighters have already assisted in the rescue of 500 individuals from flood waters

Cut 12 (07)   “model here” 

The remnants of Florence are in the northeast, but Browning says South Carolina is not out of the woods yet when it comes to more flooding, which is why their search and rescue teams will stay there for another week

Cut 13 (10) “right now”

Browning says they are focused on Darlington County, where significant flooding is possible because of the overtopping of a local dam. But he’s hopeful that the worst from Florence is over…

Cut 14 (07) “…so bad”

This is the last week of summer, but it feels like the middle of the summer with heat index values over 100-degrees. State Climatologist Barry Keim says temperatures are also in the mid-90s…

Cut 3 (10) “into Louisiana” 

Keim says the good news is that we will get a little break from the high humidity after today

Cut 4 112) “…not 100% sure.”

Some records have fallen during this latest heat wave. The first day of Fall is Saturday. Keim says we are still a couple of weeks away from that first significant cold front that brings a touch of fall to Louisiana

cut 5 (10)  “…gonna happen” 

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Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser has returned to the Bayou State following a ten day trip to China as part of a Louisiana tourism mission in an attempt to lure more visitors from Asia.  The trip included a stop at the 12^th annual China-US Tourism Leadership Summit. Nungesser says they took two Louisiana chefs along to showcase our exquisite cuisine

Cut 6 (08) “…exposure for Louisiana.”

Nungesser says he believes the “Lights Camera Louisiana” film trail, which shows where many movies and TV shows were produced in the state, will be a huge draw for Chinese tourists.

Cut 7 (09) “…here in Louisiana.”

Nungesser says he believes Louisiana could see its own direct flight service with China in the next few years.

Cut 8 (12) “traveler to Louisiana.”

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State Police say a two-year-old is dead and other children sustained injuries after their father drunkenly flew through an intersection in Donaldsonville on Highway 70 and got t-boned. 27-year-old John Henderson of Baton Rouge, the driver, has been arrested as a result. State Police Spokesperson Sgt. Jared Sandifer.

cut 9 (10) “…the fatality”

The three kids and one 27-year-old woman who were riding in Henderson’s car received injuries as a result, one of them fatal. Sandifer says neither of the adults put restraints on the 2-year-old who died.

Cut 10 (08) “situation”

Sandifer says this tragedy can be traced to two decisions on the part of Henderson.

Cut 11 (10)“…safety restraints”

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The United Cajun Navy wraping up operations in the Carolinas after spending nearly a week saving people from treacherous flood waterss. 23 deaths have been attributed to the storm so far. United Cajun Navy founder Todd Terrell says the situation is beginning to de-escalate after a Friday landfall that swamped the region.

Cut 12 (07)   “into them” 

It’s the farthest the Cajun Navy has ever traveled for rescue missions, and Terrell says despite the dangerous conditions, most of the Navy is on its way home with no major injuries, and only some maintenance work on the boats to take care of.

Cut 13 (06) “go home”

But not everyone is going home just yet. Isolated, rural parts of North Carolina are  flooded with little to no accessibility, located in counties with limited resources. Terrell says they hope to continue assisting those areas, while cleaning up the command center they built to coordinate rescues.

Cut 14 (08) “…good terms”

Nine former softball players have filed complaints with the Office of Civil Rights for Title Nine violations alleging that while attending the University of Louisiana at Lafayette they were deprived of appropriate trainers, training facilities, equipment, and supplies when compared to the resources provided to male athletes. Attorney Allison Jones says the players also faced retaliation for bringing up the claims.

Cut 3 (11) “…people were hitting.” 

Jones says the university has a history of gender inequity as she has represented female professors how have also had issues.

Cut 4 (07) “…at the university.”

Jones says the goal of the players is to correct the wrongdoings of the university for future students.

Cut 5 (05)  “…at that university.” 

The university released a statement disputing the claims, saying it will “strongly defend itself” from false allegations.

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Entergy Louisiana is sending a team of 200 employees and contractors to the East Coast.  Hurricane Florence is expected to pack a mighty punch that could cause some extensive power outages. Entergy Louisiana Spokesperson Lee Sabatini says providing help to other utility companies is part of a long standing mutual assistance agreement.

Cut 6 (06) “…possible to customers.”

Sabatini says in addition to line workers, they are sending over people for various duties in the cleanup effort.

Cut 7 (09) “…wires are down.”

Sabatini says extending a helping hand is very rewarding for the company and its employees.

Cut 8 (07) “…to do this.”

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Seven escaped inmates are back in custody after yesterday’s breach at Madison Parish Detention Center in Tallulah. LaSalle Corrections Development Executive Kevin Sumrall says it didn’t take long to apprehend the seven, most of whom were incarcerated for robbery.

cut 9 (10) “…procedure”

All inmates were recovered by 9:15 last night. Sumrall says they did not make it far, after a perimeter was set up.

Cut 10 (10) “partners”

Sumrall says it doesn’t not appear to be a premeditated prison break. Instead he says they suspect the inmates took advantage of a breach that occurred, and were able to escape through a wired fence, with no apparent planned goal in mind.

Cut 11 (09)“…thought process”

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Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins introduces legislation that would mandate random drug tests for U-S House and Senate members. If there’s a failed test, the Ethics Committee can take further action. Higgins says many middle class Americans are drug tested for their jobs, so why shouldn’t congressmen?

Cut 12 (12)   “the nation” 

Members of Congress would pay for the drug test.

Higgins says drug tests are an important part of professional life, and that you wouldn’t want emergency personnel to be intoxicated on the job, you sure wouldn’t want legislators to be under the influence either.

Cut 13 (11) “do you”

Higgins says the bill wasn’t inspired by a colleagues in particular, but he has seen a few things in the halls of Congress that might raise eyebrows.

Cut 14 (11) “…to wonder”

Higgins says early polling shows the legislation is unlikely to make it out of committee, but says he’s looking forward to hearing explanations from no voters.

Louisiana receives  a seven- million dollar grant to build a new veterans cemetery in Jennings that’s set to break ground November 1^st. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland says currently, southwest Louisiana families have to drive at least 80 miles to the nearest veterans cemetery.

Cut 3 (08) “…Leesville” 

The grounds will hold 1,212 pre-placed crypts, 185 cremains, and serve nearly 37,600 veterans and their families. Strickland says the grounds, located just behind the Jennings veteran’s home, will feature a walkway that cuts through the land, landscaping, fountains, and a notable landmark.

Cut 4 (09) “…beautiful”

Southwest Louisiana has a rich military history, and used to be the site of an airbase in Lake Charles that closed in 1995. Strickland says Louisiana in particular is a magnet for those who’ve served our country in the armed forces.

Cut 5 (05)  “…small state.” 

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A new report says Louisiana has the sixth highest adult obesity rate in the nation as 36-percent of the adult population is obese, up 23-percent in 2000 and 12-percent in 1990.  The state is also ranked eighth in obesity for the age group between 10 and 17.  CEO of Trust for America’s Health, John Auerbach says the state needs to do better to encourage healthier lifestyles.

Cut 6 (13) “…will go down.”

Auerbach says when it comes to obesity among youth, he recommends healthier eating options in schools as well as the increased importance of PE and recess.

Cut 7 (10) “…help as well.

Auerbach says WIC is an example that government policies that can be implemented to improve health, as well as the rate of obesity in 2 to 4 year olds in WIC, has dropped from 13.8% in 2010 to 13.2% in 2014.

Cut 8 (09) “…board has improved.”

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A LaFourche Parish Council member was arrested after violating a protective order filed against him by another councilman for the second time in four months. 51-year-old James Bourgeois Sr. had been ordered to stay clear of Jerry LaFont after a fist fight broke out at a council meeting back in April. Lafourche Parish Sheriffs Spokesperson Brennan Matherne says its politics.

cut 9 (11) “…for this”

Bourgeois was charged with simple battery for the hitting incident.

It’s made for an awkward situation for the two who have to run into each other twice a month. The restraining order bars Bourgeois from coming within 50 yards of LaFont, except for council meetings, where the two must enter through separate doors, which is how Bourgeois got his first violation. Matherene says the second violate came when…

Cut 10 (10) “order”

And Matherne says Bourgeois, who was charged with Violation of a Protective Order, knew exactly what he was doing when he entered the restaurant, took a look at LaFont, and decided to stick around.

Cut 11 (07)“…was there”

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The National Hurricane Center gives a broad area of low pressure in the central Gulf of Mexico a high chance of developing into a tropical depression before it makes landfall on the south Texas coast. Roger Erickson, with the National Weather Service, says rain chances for south Louisiana will increase on Friday and Saturday…

Cut 12 (05)   “of year” 

Erickson says it’s unlikely this tropical disturbance can ramp up quickly into a hurricane, but the system is moving into an area that will allow for the shower activity to become better organized

Cut 13 (06) “tropical development”

Erickson says models indicate a Texas landfall, but the potential tropical depression or storm could bring south Louisiana more rain

Cut 14 (09) “…this week”

The National Hurricane Center says there’s a medium chance for tropical development in the western Gulf of Mexico over the next two days. Seth Warthen, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says a tropical wave entering the Gulf is becoming more organized….

Cut 3 (12) “…Texas coast” 

Warthen says the area of the disturbed weather might not have enough to time to strengthen into a major tropical storm before it makes landfall along the Gulf Coast…

Cut 4 (10) “…into the Gulf”

If this tropical disturbance can strengthen into a tropical storm it will be called Joyce. But Warthen says at this time they are not expecting any major impacts to Louisiana…

Cut 5 (05)  “…into the weekend.” 

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Small business optimism has hit an all-time high according to the latest survey by the National Federation of Independent Business.  It’s a new record for the 45-year history of the survey, topping the previous record set in July 1983.  NFIB State Director Dawn Starns says much of the credit for the high marks goes to improved economic policy.

Cut 6 (08) “…job openings perspective.”

Starns says capital spending is the highest it has been since 2007, which means business owners are expanding.

Cut 7 (09) “…effect for them.”

Starns says the federal tax reform legislation approved in December has  contributed to the boost in optimism.

Cut 8 (11) “…board has improved.”

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About 90 Bayou State first responders are on their way to the Carolinas to assist in what’s likely to be a significant natural disaster as Category Four Hurricane Florence is set to smash into the East Coast. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the crew, comprised of fire departments across the state, will be based out of Columbia, South Carolina.

cut 9 (09) “…trapped people”

Louisiana is no stranger to natural disasters. Browning says you could call us experts.

Cut 10 (09) “harms way”

The team will coordinate communications efforts with other agencies from around the country for what could be an extensive rescue effort. Browning says if you’re someone who gets inspired seeing Louisiana rescuers at work, just know there’s opportunities for you to pitch in at a local level.

Cut 11 (09) “…duties.”

The latest report indicates the storm may strengthen to category five before landfall.

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A lawsuit claiming a catholic school’s hair policy in Jefferson Parish was discriminatory against black students has been dismissed. Federal court records show the parents of two New Orleans-area girls who filed the lawsuit ended the legal battle. Legal analyst Dane Ciolino says there was no reason to move forward once the Christ the King school rescinded the policy last month…

Cut 12 (06)   “be seen” 

This story received national attention after a video went viral showing sixth-grader Faith Fennidy tearfully leaving the school after being told her hairstyle broke the school’s rules. Her mother and the mother of another student subsequently filed a lawsuit. Ciolino says the only reason to keep the lawsuit alive would be if the plaintiffs can convince a judge that the alleged discrimination caused damages

Cut 13 (07) “that purpose”

Ciolino says the plaintiffs got what they wanted and that was for the policy prohibiting hair extensions to be repealed, once that was done, it would have been difficult to get much more from the school….

Cut 14 (10) “…its settled”

A disorganized area of thunderstorms in the northwest Caribbean Sea is grabbing the attention of forecasters. Seth Warthen, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says the chances of development of anything major are low.

Cut 3 (07) “…stuff together” 

Warthen says the system is expected to move over the Yucatan Peninsula into the Western Gulf.

Cut 4 (10) “…to get developed.”

Warthen says once the storm moves north, the risk for a major impact in Louisiana is fairly low.

Cut 5 (05)  “…into the weekend.” 

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Governor John Bel Edwards has plans to recommend a raise of at least a grand for public school teachers, the first substantial raise in about a decade.  The plan would also see cafeteria workers and other personel get a pay best of $500 annually.  The governor’s education policy advisor Donald Songy says the message from Edwards to the teachers is clear.

Cut 6 (06) “…southern regional average.”

Songy says the timeline for getting the pay raises put into effect will start with getting the ball rolling during the next legislative session, which starts in April.

Cut 7 (05) “…2020 school year.”

Songy believes the state can afford it, thanks to a strengthening economy…

Cut 8 (06) “…the additional revenue.”

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An Alexandria woman faces second-degree murder in the death of her husband in front of their three children Saturday in the parking lot of a Walmart. Alexandria Police say 31-year-old Kayla Coutee shot her 30-year-old estranged husband, Thomas Coutee. Corporal Wade Bourgeois…

cut 9 (10) “…that day”

Bourgeois says there were a lot of posts on social media questioning the second-degree murder charge. But Bourgeois says under Louisiana law, planning a murder doesn’t result in a first-degree murder charge.

Cut 10 (11) “that works”

The 2-year-old child of the Coutee’s wasn’t the only kid present at the shooting. Bourgeois says two other children, who were unrelated to the victim, were in Mrs. Coutee’s car at the time.

Cut 11 (06) “…shooting.”

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Drivers on I-12 West between Hammond and Walker got a nasty surprise today as the road was littered with nails, leading to over a dozen flats for commuters. Authorities aren’t sure if this was intentional, or just a case of bad luck, but either way State Police Spokesperson Trooper Bryan Lee says it sure did cause a lot trouble for quite a few drivers.

Cut 12 (09)   “those isues 

The department of transportation was on scene to pick up any nails that hadn’t already found their way into your brand new Goodyear’s. Lee says it’s not too uncommon, and as such there’s a special vehicle ready to go when the nails hit the road.

Cut 13 (09) “left out”

Troopers are trying to narrow down just where this may have happened, And Lee says…

Cut 14 (05) “…for you”

I-12 West is now open to public.

The Louisiana Department of Health reports 47 women died from pregnancy-related causes in a six-year span starting in 2011, one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in the nation. L-D-H Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee says it’s a startling problem, specifically within one population.

Cut 3 (10) “…up call” 

The report followed women up to 42 days after the end of their pregnancy.

There’s been national attention paid to the notable increase in deaths, but there’s still debate as to exactly why the numbers are skyrocketing. Gee says there are steps that can be taken to reduce the totals.

Cut 4 (10) “…need it.”

But Gee says those numbers do reflect the previous administration, and they’re hoping for better results from the Medicaid expansion that substantially increased insurance coverage levels statewide.

Cut 5 (10)  “…after pregnancy .” 

The alarming numbers have led to the creation of the Reducing Maternal Morbidity Act and the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative.

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The LSU Tigers will welcome Southeastern Louisiana into Tiger Stadium tomorrow night for the first meeting between the schools on the football field since 1949. LSU Coach Ed Orgeron knows that this is the game of their life for some players on the S-L-U football team…

Cut 6 (10) “…lights out.”

LSU is coming off a victory over Miamia, while the Lions lost last week to ULM. But Southeastern Quarterback Chason Virgil threw for 358 yards. Orgeron says he’s impressed with the Fresno State transfer

Cut 7 (10) “…well coached.”

LSU’s starting quarterback Joe Burrow threw for just 140 yards against the Hurricanes. Orgeron says they want to throw the ball more on Saturday…

Cut 8 (10) “…points.”

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After four days of hearings, Lousiaina Senator John Kennedy says will confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh as the newest member of the US Supreme Court. Kennedy, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, says a vote will occur later this month

Cut 9 (09) “…smart.”

Kennedy believes Kavanaugh will issue opinions based on what the law says and not what it should be…

Cut 10 (06) “…or think clearly”

Kennedy has also been impressed with Kavanaugh’s temperament, as the hearings have been interrupted over 200 times by protesters. Democrats are upset the White House has yet to release documents from Kavanaugh’s time as a top White House aide to President George W Bush. But Kennedy says committee chairman and Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley already released 450-thousand pages of documents about Judge Kavanaugh

Cut 11 (12) “…put together.”

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LSU has adopted and begun enforcing a new policy that bars on campus organizations from distributing hard liquor at their gatherings and events. The policy has also been adopted by 6,100 fraternities across the nation in a push to curb alcohol abuse. LSU Dean of Students Mari Fuentes-Martin says they considered the proposal in spring, and got everyone on board to start the year.

Cut 12 (10)   “information” 

Non liquor based alcoholic beverages will still be permitted.

The hard alcohol ban at fraternities was put into place as a result of the suspected  hazing death of Maxwell Gruver last September, where authorities say the Phi Delta Theta pledge was pressured into chugging 190 proof booze as part of his fraternity initiation. Fuentes-Martin says it will take a lot of effort to undo the boozing cultures in frats, where even mentorship interactions involve liquor

Cut 13 (09) “are happening”

The Dean says she’s received some pushback from groups who are afraid the policy will cut back on game day fun, but on a whole she says most on campus organizations understand the need for alcohol and hazing reforms.

Cut 14 (08) “…to happen”

The North-American Interfraternity Conference national policy is now in effect at organizations on over 800 campuses.