_______________________________________________

Severe weather throughout central and north Louisiana resulted in a tornado impacting Natchitoches Parish yesterday afternoon.  While there are no reported injuries at this time, Nachitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Capt. Tony Moran says the area did see some lose their homes.

Cut 3 (07) “…2 or 3 residences.”

Moran says authorities are asking for patience while utilities are being restored.

Cut 4 (08) “…on the problem.″

Moran says at this time, it appears that no polling places were impacted by the storm.

Cut 5 (04)  “…to election day.” 

 

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Employers looking to hire seasonal help may have to be more competitive in recruiting employees.  This is a result of unemployment numbers being at a thirty year low.  UNO Professor of Finance Mark Rosa…

Cut 6 (10) “…easily be working.”
Rosa says the robust economy and employer tax breaks have been a contributing factor to having the lower unemployment numbers.  When it comes to those with a side hustle…

Cut 7 (05) “…shortage of workers.”

Rosa says with the economy doing well, the growth in the Christmas season may be a bit more ambitious than it’s normal annual gains.

Cut 8 (12) “…shippers, everybody involved.”

______________________________

LSU linebacker Devin White says the two weeks leading up to the Alabama game were very emotional for him. White spoke to reporters for the first time since the controversial targeting penalty that forced him to miss the first half of last Saturday’s game. White believes he could have made a difference.

Cut 9 (06) “…first half”

White called the targeting penalty against him a bogus call. He says it will not change the way he plays

Cut 10 (07)   “…tackle people“

 

White might only have four games left in his LSU career. The former North Webster high school star is expected to be a first round pick next year, but he’s not happy about losing to Alabama every time he plays them…

Cut 11 (11) “…in your head.”

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Shreveport Mayor Ollie Tyler is facing a tough contest today to keep the seat she won back in 2014. Several candidates have lined up to challenge her, with analysts predicting a likely run-off. LSU Shreveport Poli Sci Professor Jeffery Sadow says Tyler had a falling out with one of the city’s major African American political factions, leading to a surprising inter-party challenge.

Cut 12 (08)   “…run-off”

That Democratic challenge comes curtsey of 33-year-old Army vet Adrian Perkins, and 32-year-old Caddo Parish Commissioner Steven Jackson. Sadow says Perkins has mounted the most substantial challenge, and poses a real threat.

Cut 13 (09) “…run-off.”

Sadow says the city is majority black and Democratic, so it’s highly unlikely a Republican till take control of City Hall for the first time since 94’, but with such a stacked field it’s possible one of the two GOP challengers could make the run-off.

Cut 14 (09) “…Taliaferro.”

 

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The price at the pump has seen a decline.  The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.47 in Louisiana today, down three cents from yesterday, nine cents since last week, and nearly sixteen cents since last month.  Gas Buddy.com fuel analyst Dan McTeague says we may see the price continue to drop even further.

Cut 3 (05) “…really welcomed news.”

McTeague says this is a result of a drop in oil, as October was a big sell-off month.

Cut 4 (10) “…heading in the right direction.″

McTeague says he expects the price drop to continue through mid-month.

Cut 5 (11)  “…take full effect.” 

 

 ______________________________________

 

The New Orleans Archdiocese has released the names of 57 priests dating back to 1917 who had credible allegations of child sexual abuse against them while in the ministry. Archbishop Gregory Aymond says they voluntarily released the list to help facilitate the healing process for victims and parishioners in New Orleans.

Cut 6 (09) “…to freedom.”

Aymond did not note how many claims were deemed un-credible, but says in order to move forward the church needed to address the issue.

Cut 7 (10) “…justice.”

Aymond says he hopes the list, which gives the name of the pastor, the date of the allegations, their assignment history, including schools, and the date they were removed from, or left the ministry, will help the church move forward.

Cut 8 (06) “…justice”

The list is available at nolacatholicchurch.org.

______________________________

Congressman Ralph Abraham has a suite of new campaign ads airing across south Louisiana markets that don’t have many voters from his more northern and central district. ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says it’s likely to boost his name recognition statewide for potential run at governor, if the political winds shift on Tuesday.

Cut 9 (10) “…clout.”

Abraham has publicly waxed about the idea of running for governor, and reports say he’s giving it a hard look, but Stockley says like most GOP candidates, he’s likely anxiously awaiting a decision from Senator John Kennedy, the presumed frontrunner. Stockley says there’s good reason for that.

 

Cut 10 (07)   “…Republican contest“

Kennedy says he’ll announce his intentions for the 2019 governor’s race by December.

Stockley says it would be naïve to think the ad buy wasn’t signed off on without some thought as to how it would boost his profile for a potential 2019 contest, but cautioned that due to the massive size of his district, it may have had a more short term aim.

Cut 11 (10) “…election.”

His District five runs from Monroe to Alexandria and over to Bogalusa.

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Third-ranked LSU hosts top ranked Alabama as the unstoppable force meets the immovable object at Death Valley this weekend.  LSU has quite the task on its hands as they attempt to defy the odds and topple Nick Saban and the Tuscaloosa empire.  Analyst Mike Detillier says Bama’s O-line is one to be reckoned with on the gridiron.

Cut 12 (07)   “…last ten years”

Detillier says Bama QB Tua Tagovailoa is deserving of high praise, comparing him to Peyton Manning and another quarterback the Bayou State idolizes.

Cut 13 (09) “…of Drew Brees.”

Detillier says teams have tried many things to slow down Tua, but his recommendation for the Bayou Benglas?  LSU needs to put pressure on the Bama QB right up the middle.

Cut 14 (12) “…running the football.”

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There’s been growing support for the number two amendment option on the November ballot, but not all District Attorneys are on board with the move to require unanimous jury verdicts in felony cases. Tangipahoa, Livingston, and Helena Parish District Attorney Scott Perrilloux says he’s concerned it would delay justice for victims.

Cut 3 (09) “…done again”

DAs in four of Louisiana’s largest parishes, along with both Republican and Democratic state parties have come out in support of the initiative.

Supporters of the amendment say non-unanimous jury laws are racist Jim Crow relics, but Perrilloux the US Supreme Court declared them constitutional, and disallows racial rigging of juries.

Cut 4 (06) “…years ago″

During the legislative session Baton Rouge Senator and former prosecutor Dan Claitor came out in support of the amendment saying he knows attorneys would game the system and seek harsher sentences because non-unanimous juries made them easier to try. Perriloux says that’s not true.

Cut 5 (09)  “…that such” 

Over two million dollars has been raised for a campaign that supports unanimous juries.

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The overnight hours saw wild weather passing through the bayou state and  brought significant damage to areas across Louisiana, with downed trees, closed roads, and debris.  Among the areas impacted, Washington Parish Chief Deputy Mike Haley says two elderly men were injured when the mobile home they were in was turned over by the force of the winds.

Cut 6 (10) “…the mobile home.”

One of the men sustained minor injuries, while the other suffered a broken arm.  The parish is declaring a state of emergency.  Haley says the area is fortunate to not have seen a worse impact.

Cut 7 (06) “…report of fatalities.”

Rapides Parish also saw downed trees and some businesses are reporting damage as a result of the widespread storm.  Sheriff’s office spokesperson Capt. Tommy Carnline says many of the roads were impassable for first responders when checking on residents.

Cut 8 (09) “…sustained any injuries.”

Carnline says it’s important that residents stay off the roads if they don’t have to be there as now is not the time for sightseeing the destruction.

Cut 9 (08) “…these roadways clear.”

Four people were also hurt in Concordia Parish as a result of the storm.

________________________________

There’s another month left of the hurricane season, but State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s highly unlikely we’ll be hit by a notable system in the next 30 days. Keim says if we do get hit, it would be a historic event.

Cut 10 (07)   “…of Louisiana“

Keim notes there’s always a chance of some development, but the late season climate just isn’t suited to producing hurricanes.

Cut 11 (11) “…can be defeated.”

And if a hurricane were to pop up, chances are it’s staying away from the central and western Gulf of Mexico.

Cut 12 (08)   “…east coast”

___________________________

Thousands lost power in central Louisiana today as the result of a nasty post-Halloween storm that moved through the area early this morning. Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says they’re calling in extra help to get the lights back on.

Cut 13 (09) “…restoration efforts.“

Cleco had outages in Rapides, Avoyelles and Grant Parishes. Cahill says there’s a chance power could still be out thought he night so if you or someone you know is vulnerable, you may want to make some plans to stay with someone else.

Cut 14 (11) “…arrangements.”

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Monroe Representative Jay Morris is publicly calling for U.S. Senator John Kennedy to jump into next year’s governor’s race against John Bel Edwards. Morris says its clear Kennedy would be Edwards most formidable challenger, and the best chance to get more GOP priorities passed into law.

Cut 3 (06) “…justify later”

Morris says he’s impressed with Kennedy’s work as State Treasurer and says he’s a potential candidate who would bring great administrative experience if he wins.

Cut 4 (07) “…true priorities″

The only Republican in the race at the moment is wealthy Baton Rouge Businessman Eddie Rispone. Attorney General Jeff Landry hinted he might run, but Morris says that’s only if a candidate like Kennedy were to stay out…

Cut 5 (08)  “…step up” 

Kennedy says he’ll announce his 2019 intentions by December.

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Early voting ended yesterday and as of last night 307-thousand people voted in person or with a mail in ballot, which JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says is a record for a non-Presidential election. Couvillon says even though the Louisiana ballot lacks a marquee race, voters are aware of the November 6th election, because of hotly contested midterm elections across the country.

Cut 6 (08) “…voter turnout.”

Couvillon says the highly contentious Supreme court hearings involving Brett Kavanaugh also led to an increase in conservative voters during the first few says of the early voting period. He says the last few days of early voting saw an increase in registered Democratic voters…

Cut 7 (10) “…election going on.”

Couvillon anticipates an overall voter turnout of 35-percent…

Cut 8 (12) “…record”

 

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Hahnville High School QB Andrew Robison has won his arbitration hearing against the LHSAA.  The victory means the senior is eligible to play in Friday’s regular-season finale.  He’ll also continue with a lawsuit against the governing body for damages. Robison’s Attorney David Moyer says they are thrilled with the ruling…

Cut 9 (06) “…from the beginning.”

Back in August, the LHSAA ruled Robison ineligible for the year because they claimed he was illegally recruited from Vandebilt Catholic. Moyer says there was no basis in law or fact for the LHSAA to rule the way they did.

Cut 10 (09) “…of this case.”

Moyer says schools should not be afraid to challenge the LHSAA.

Cut 11 (11) “…can be defeated.”

LHSAA says they are not commenting due to pending litigation

_______________________

Two Denham Springs residents were found murdered at their pool company last night. 70-year-old Patricia Gurley and 72-year-old Frank Gurley, a retired Denham Springs teacher, were last seen alive around 4PM Monday. Police Chief Shannon Womack offered limited details, but says they suspect the murders were premeditated.

Cut 12 (06)   “…department”

Police discovered the bodies after responding to a request for a wellness check.

Womack says they believe the suspects who murdered the Gurleys have fled the state by now, but they’ve begun the investigative process and hope to chase down whoever committed the crime.

Cut 13 (09) “…as possible.“

It’s believed the attacker or attackers knew the victims.

Womack says he knew the Gurleys personally, and the news shocked him and the community.

Cut 14 (12) “…really hard.”

______________________

_______________________________________________

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.”

 

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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.” 

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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.

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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.