A survey from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission finds pickup truck drivers still aren’t buckling up as much as those in other vehicles. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office says they arrested a suspect in Grambling State University’s deadly shooting…

Cut 2 (26) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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Some of the coldest air we’ve seen in some time is descending on Louisiana.  A cold front is moving through which will drop temperatures to near freezing in some northern areas.  Heavy rain is possible with the cold front, which state climatologist Barry Keim says could affect some high school games…

Cut 3 (08) “like a rock.”

This will be just the start of what is to be a very cold weekend.  Keim says the cold Canadian air will affect the entire state…

Cut 4  (08) “the 40s.” 

Keim says to expect sub normal temperatures for Halloween trick or treating…

Cut 5  (08)  “work week.”

The last time temperatures were this cold were in north Louisiana was in mid-March.

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A survey from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission finds Louisianans are buckling up but drivers and passengers in pickup trucks are not doing so as often. Executive Director Dr. Katara Williams says the seat belt usage rate has consistently increased annually in the Bayou State since 2009. But she says many residents in our state drive trucks, so we must convince them to buckle up.

Cut 6 (11)  “truck drivers”

Drivers in Lake Charles and New Orleans had the highest overall seat belt usage rates at 92-percent and 90-percent. Williams says drivers and riders in pickup trucks buckle up at a rate of 82-percent compared to cars which is 89-percent.

Cut 7 (10) “the highway”

Alexandria and Baton Rouge drivers and passengers had the lowest rates when it comes to wearing seat belts at nearly 83-percent and 85-percent. Williams says there is an upward trend across the state with more African American drivers and passengers wearing their seat belts. She says in 2015, there was a 10-percent gap between black and white drivers who buckled up.

Cut 8 (11) “buckling up”

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National Prescription Drug Takeback day is Saturday.  State Police are helping bring awareness to the potential for medication abuse by offering a way to get rid of unused prescriptions.  A Journal of the American Medical Association study recently revealed 42 percent of prescribed medicine for post surgical pain was not used and 67 percent of patients had leftover medicine. State Police Trooper Bryan Lee says these drugs are commonly taken from people they know…

Cut 9 (07)     “family members.” 

900-thousand pounds worth of prescription drugs were turned in during last year’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.  Lee says the number could go higher if others become aware of the kinds of prescriptions they forgot about…

Cut 10 (07) “not using.”

The Centers for Disease Control say over 33-thousand people died in 2015 from overdoses on opioids.  Even if you can’t participate Saturday, Lee says there are locations available any time…

Cut 11 (11) “off locations.” 

All nine State Police Troops will participate Saturday from 10am to 2pm.  The service is free and anonymous.

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The 14^th annual Louisiana Book Festival is tomorrow in Baton Rouge. The event brings in about 30-thousand people to the State Library and State Capital. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser expects a great crowd, despite the projected cool temperatures. He says the free festival has music along with great books.

Cut 12 (11) “landscape”

The festival features over 250 authors and panelists. Nungesser says it’s a festival like no other and well worth the drive to Baton Rouge. He says they just challenged the state’s high school students to redesign the Louisiana Seafood logo.

Cut 13 (09)  “that day”

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A federal judge agrees with Alton Sterling protesters in a class action lawsuit against Baton Rouge law enforcement agencies. A hearing was held Friday morning involving about 80 protesters who were arrested last year. The ACLU of Louisiana filed a similar lawsuit but one that did not seek damages. Executive Director Marjorie Esman applauds the ruling…:

Cut 14 (06) “victims”

The plaintiffs will receive a combined total of about $136,000, which amounts to individual payments ranging from $500-$1000. Esman says she hopes law enforcement in Baton Rouge has learned a lesson…:

Cut 15 (04) “why they are protesting”

Someone in Eunice bought a Powerball ticket last night that’s worth 191 million dollars. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The 111th State Fair of Louisiana begins a 14-day run in Shreveport today, with shows, rides and livestock. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A 191 million dollar Powerball jackpot ticket was sold last night at a gas station in Eunice. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says the last time the Bayou State saw a Powerball jackpot winner was in May of 2013. She says the previous Powerball jackpot record was 97-million dollars in 2008.

Cut 3 (06) “about it”

Chopin says if the winner decides to take the cash value of the jackpot, they will receive 119-million dollars. She says the lucky winner has 180 days from the drawing to claim their prize, but they should take their time before coming forward.

Cut 4  (11) “tax perspective” 

Chopin says the winning ticket was sold at Brownie’s on West Maple Ave. She says the Louisiana Lottery gives the store a bonus for selling jackpot winning tickets.

Cut 5  (10)  “calculated”

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The 111^th State Fair of Louisiana starts a 14-day run in Shreveport today with shows, rides and livestock.  Fair president and general manager Chris Giordano says there’s also a lot of food vendors, with a few putting a special focus on a particular fan favorite…

Cut 6 (09)  “with bacon.”

A special tribute band will perform this weekend during their Southern Soul series.  Giordano says some musical greats will be impersonated by Bobby Miller Sunday…

Cut 7 (09) “video wall.”

The fair has expanded their entertainment venue this year.  Giordano says the fair not only has the state’s largest horse and livestock shows, they are adding exotic animals for entertainment…

Cut 8 (08) “this year.”

All entertainment is included in the price of gate admission for ten-dollars.  Carnival ride armbands are sold separately at 30-dollars.  The fair will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

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Authorities say the man who murdered a woman whose body was found in Pineville last week, is also the person that allegedly killed two people, who were burned in a ditch on Old Boyce Highway that same morning. Rapides Sheriff William Hilton says Matthew Sonnier now faces three counts of first-degree murder…

Cut 9 (12)     serious case” 

The bodies in the ditch have been identified as Kendrick Horn and Jeremy Norris, both men were in Alexandria. Hilton says they also arrested Sonnier’s sister, Ebony Sonnier and she’s facing charges that could result in the death penalty for the murder of the two men found in the burned out ditch…

Cut 10 (10) “criminal conspiracy”

Pineville Police have upgraded the murder charge of Matthew Sonnier to first-degree murder and his sister is also facing the same charge for the stabbing death of Latish White. Pineville Police Chief Don Weatherford…

Cut 11 (08) “to live” 

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Good news for Louisiana’s tourism industry. Nearly 25 percent of the new jobs in the state were related to tourism.  Over six-thousand new travel related jobs were created in the last 12 months, based on data from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says not only is the industry creating jobs, but it’s bringing in a large portion of the state’s tax revenue…

Cut 12 (10) “on investment.”

Nungesser says this is one industry that has huge growth potential in all corners of Louisiana…

Cut 13 (12)  “their communities.”

Nungesser says tourism is ripe for employee growth and promotion within already established business.  He has talked with several who have moved up the chain…

Cut 14 (09) “them grow.”

The expanding tourism market has helped to decrease the state’s unemployment rate to 5-point-1-percent in September, a full percent lower from the same month in 2016.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Kenner Representative Julie Stokes speaks out about her current battle with the disease. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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George Strait will headline Bayou Country Superfest in 2018. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The National Retail Federation expects Halloween spending to reach a record 9.1 billion dollars this year. Ana Serafin Smith with the NRF says people are expected to spend more than ever this year on pet costumes for their cats and dogs. She says the number one outfit  for furry friends is a pumpkin.

Cut 3 (10) “consecutively grow”

Over half of Louisianans will be passing out candy or trick-or-treating this Halloween according to a survey by offers.com. Smith says consumers are expected to spend on average $86 on candy, decorations and costumes, up from 83-dollars  last Halloween. She says adults will spend 46-dollars on costumes alone.

Cut 4  (07) “or pets” 

Louisianans favorite candy this year is Reese’s, according to offers.com. Smith says the biggest costumes for children are action super heroes for boys and princesses for girls, followed by animals like cats, dogs, and monkeys. She says parents are also following these trends.

Cut 5  (07)  “costumes”

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Most LSU fans will root for the Houston Astros in the World Series, which starts tonight in Los Angeles. The Stros starting third baseman is former LSU standout Alex Bregman. Bregman recently said LSU prepared him for this moment, something LSU baseball coach Paul Maineri says doesn’t surprise him…

Cut 6 (08)  “the greatest.”

Bregman played at shortstop for the Tigers, but changed positions after joining the Astros in 2016.  Maineri says Bregman is so talented, he could play any position…

Cut 7 (12) “work ethic.”

The Tigers coach says he has stayed in close contact with Bregman, especially during this post-season.  Maineri always assures him he is a great baseball player…

Cut 8 (11) “every day..”

Bregman batted .284 this year with 19 home runs, hitting two more round trippers in the post season. _________________________________________________________

Kenner Representative Julie Stokes says her treatment for breast cancer is going well as she goes through 5-months of chemotherapy treatment, which forced her to drop out of the race for State Treasurer. Stokes says she is now in her second round of treatment, which is more intense, but the results so far are positive.

Cut 9 (08) “big deal” 

Stokes receives treatment at the Oschner Cancer Institute. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Stokes says this is a great opportunity to share her story about the disease. The business woman, mother and legislator says didn’t take her lump all that seriously when she first discovered it, because she had no history of breast cancer and she was in the middle of the busy legislative session.

Cut 10 (11) “for me”

One in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer. Stokes says even if you think it’s nothing, get checked, because she’s fighting for her life right now. She says she was extremely nervous to try new types of drugs to treat her cancer.

Cut 11 (10) “my life” 

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The lineup for the 2018 Bayou Country Superfest has been announced, and the big name next Memorial Day weekend is none other than George Strait. The show will be May 27th inside the Mercedes Benz Superdome. BCS Producer Quint Davis says it’s huge that they were able to get The King of Country:

Cut 12 (10) “Germany”

Strait will be the headliner that Sunday night after country music fans hear from Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town, Kacey Musgraves, and Midland. The BCS weekend kicks off Friday, May 25th with a new tradition, a huge fireworks show on the Mississippi River. A free concert will be held the next day at Champions Square. Davis on the decision to put all the big acts in one night…:

Cut 13 (10)  “last year”

Tickets go on sale November 2nd at 10am at BayouCountrySuperfest.com. Bayou Country Superfest is Strait’s only scheduled festival appearance of the year. BCS drew about 60,000 fans over three days in 2017, and Davis says next year they wanted to have a packed house on one special night..:

Cut 14 (09) “where it will grow”

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Natchitoches Police arrest two men in connection with Sunday’s shooting that wounded a five-year-old and three-year-old child. Police spokesperson Kelly Parks says both men are in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center….

Cut 15 (13) “first-degree murder”

Authorities have not said what led to the shooting. Parks says multiple subjects were shooting at each other in the area of Reba Street on Sunday afternoon…

Cut 16  (09)  “to the hospital”

The two little girls shot have been released from the hospital and they are expected to fully recover.

A second bacterial strain may have made more people sick after eating jambalaya at a charity event in Caldwell Parish last week.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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Famed New Orleans Chef John Besh steps down from the restaurant company he founded amid a sexual harassment investigation. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Point Coupee Parish is drying out after recording a foot of rain yesterday. The heavy rainfall caused flooding due to already over saturated waterways and levees.  Sheriff Bud Torres says as waters continued to rise, about 50 people in the New Roads area were displaced – some for the second time in just over a year…

Cut 3 (10) “sub divisions.”

The heavy rain caused travel issues on Sunday.  Sheriff Torres says one main bridge on Highway 413 has been shut down indefinitely…

Cut 4  (11) “and water” 

Sheriff Torres says Parish leaders are working on a solution that will protect residents in some troublesome neighborhoods, but it involves relocation…

Cut 5  (07)  “that community”

Flood damage is also reported in East Feliciana Parish where 20 boat rescues were conducted where about six inches of rain fell.

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Singer and former child actor Corey Feldman was charged with weed possession in the northeast Louisiana town of Mangham . Feldman and members of his crew, who were also charged, were in town for a gig in Monroe. Mangham Police Chief Perry Fleming says cops pulled over an RV driven by Feldman Saturday…:

Cut 6 (10)  “possession of marijuana”

Because the charges weren’t felonies, the celebrity was able to pay the $640 fine rather than posting bond. Feldman sent out a Tweet regarding the incident and said someone he was with had a prescription for medical marijuana out of California, but there no “street drugs” in the vehicle. Fleming says it was a minor incident..:

Cut 7 (03) “he’s done”

Feldman called the traffic stop “a bit of a shakedown” and claimed the officers asked for pictures and autographs afterwards.

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A second bacteria has been identified in connection with a salmonella outbreak in Caldwell Parish.  Public Officer of Health for Central Louisiana Dr. David Holcombe says both bacteria’s added to the severity of symptoms people got after eating jambalaya at a charity softball game last week…

Cut 8 (12) “so severe.”

Holcombe says testing is underway to determine which foods were contaminated, which is a complex process due to the amount and type of food that was prepared…

Cut 9 (09) “all uncommon” 

Over 300 ate the contaminated food. 149 were diagnosed with gastrointestinal illness, 37 of whom were admitted to the hospital.  Dr. Holcombe says they are still determining if a fatality is connected to the outbreak…

Cut 10 (09) “the autospy.”

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Gas prices are on a slow decline, but motorists are still paying more than they did at this time last year. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says the statewide average price for regular gasoline is $2.22….

Cut 11 (07) “march down” 

A year ago the statewide average was $2.09. Redman says expect gas prices to decline towards that figure as the weeks go by…

Cut 12 (10) “$2.10 a gallon” 

Nationally, the average price at the pump has fallen for 15 of the last 20 days. Redman says OPEC meets next month and if they decide to cut back on oil production, it could cause gas prices to drop in the United States

Cut 13 (13)  “considerably cheaper”

The National Young Driver Survey shows the number of teens involved in fatal car crashes has dropped 53-percent in Louisiana over the last 10 years. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Republican state Treasurer candidate says he wants to look out for Louisiana, but he needs the voters to get out on November 18. Kelley Ray has the story…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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Louisiana’s Republican congressional delegation says its goal is to pass a tax reform bill this year that will lead to lower taxes. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3   (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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This past weekend’s cold front has brought even cooler temperatures to Louisiana.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says it really feels like fall today…

Cut 4  (09) “beautiful day.”

Keim says this is just the start to what will be a relief from the above normal temperatures we saw last week…

Cut 5  (13)  “the 70s.”

Keim says we will run a little cooler than normal for this time of year, but it will warm up in time for the weekend. Keim says once we turn the corner we will go into a warming trend with temperatures climbing back above normal by the end of the week.

Cut 6 (10) “our tigers”

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The number of teens involved in fatal car crashes went down 53-percent in Louisiana over a ten-year period from 2005 to 2015. That’s according to the National Young Driver Survey. State Farm spokesperson Kip Diggs says car crashes are the number one killer of teenagers. He says the biggest contributing factor to the decrease is graduated driver’s licensing laws.

Cut 7 (10)  “to 18”

Diggs says the roads aren’t as dangerous because kids have more restrictions like cell phone and nighttime driving restrictions. He says this has led to parents being more involved in the driving process.

Cut 8 (10) “the phone”

Diggs says with the improvements with seat belts and vehicles, he expects this number of fatal crashes with drivers of all ages to go down. He says it all starts with adding more steps before teens can get a driver’s license.

Cut 9 (09)  “the road”

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The two candidates in the State Treasurer’s runoff face the challenge of getting people out to vote in the November 18 election. Former state representative John Schroder is up against Democrat Derrick Edwards. Schroder knows another low turnout election is coming.

Cut 10 (13)  “attracted to.”

Just over 13 percent of registered voters participated in the October 14th election. Schroder says if elected, he’ll push for smaller state government.

Cut 11 (12) “public trust.”

The former Covington Representative served the last ten years in the state legislature. He says in that time, the financial scene has changed and could necessitate differences in the way the Treasurer’s office dictates future budgets and how revenues are generated.

Cut 12 (09) “more taxes”

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The Louisiana Republican congressional delegation believes tax reform legislation can be passed this year. U.S. Senator John Kennedy says a bill has yet to be drafted, but he supports an across the board personal income tax cut, starting with the middle class…

Cut 13 (11) “go up.”  (2x)

Congressman Clay Higgins from St. Landry Parish says Republicans are also pushing to simplify the tax code, so that most taxpayers can file their taxes on one sheet of paper…

Cut 14 (07) “very simply.”

Will there be a roadblock put up by Democrats?  Senior Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says President Trump has indicated he is willing to make some concessions to see this tax proposal become reality…

Cut 15 (10) “class families.”

Cassidy says no matter how the tax reform package passes, getting it done quick is of up most importance to Republicans…

Cut 16  (08)     “tax planning.”

The first step was taken last week when Senate Republicans passed a four-trillion-dollar budget plan, which cuts spending over the next decade by five-trillion-dollars.

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LSU’s Derrius Guice is the first running back in the SEC history to rush for over 250 yards in three different games. Guice had 276 yards and one touchdown in Saturday’s 40-24 victory over Ole Miss. Head Coach Ed Orgeron say he was anticipating a big game from his superstar back…

Cut 17 (15)  “we did”

The victory moved LSU’s record to 6-2, 3-1 in the SEC. They get a week off before they play top ranked Alabama in Tuscaloosa on November 4th. Orgeron says his guys will be ready… 

Cut 18 (19) “ready to go” 

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The Saints overcame a few 1st half mistakes to win their fourth straight a 26-17 victory over the Green Bay Packers. New Orleans Quarterback Drew Brees bounced back from two first half interceptions and ended up throwing for 331 yards. Mark Ingram rushed for 105 yards and a score. Head Coach Sean Payton is glad they pulled out the victory despite the early turnovers…

Cut 19 (10) significant“

The Saints have won four straight and they’ve moved to the top of the standings in the NFC South, with a winnable game coming up this Sunday against the Chicago Bears. Payton on the position of his team…

cut 20 (16)  “this game” 

Caddo Parish Commissioners vote to remove a Confederate monument and not all are happy.  Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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It was a violent night in Baton Rouge as a 56-year-old woman was fatally shot while stopped at an intersection and a 17-year-old was found shot to death in a park. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Eight people were arrested in Acadiana on multiple charges of Medicaid welfare fraud. Attorney General Jeff Landry says there is a tremendous amount of abuse in Louisiana and his office will continue to fight to root out welfare fraud. He says Louisiana spends 14 billion dollars a year under the Medicaid expansion.

Cut 3 (10) “are spending”

The individuals arrested were allegedly submitting time sheets and service logs for Medicaid services while working other jobs. Landry says we need to save these taxpayer dollars for services Louisiana needs, like new roads and higher education.

Cut 4  (11) “run efficiently” 

Landry says Medicaid fraud occurs when providers use the Medicaid program to obtain money they are not entitled to. He encourages residents to report Medicaid fraud or abuse to his office.

Cut 5  (10)  “6885”

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The Caddo Parish Commission has voted seven to five to remove a Confederate monument that has stood in front of the courthouse for 111 years.  Commissioner Louis Johnson voted in favor of removal.  Johnson says he cast his vote based on his constituent’s feelings…

Cut 6 (12)  “to represent.”

A motion was made to put the issue up for a public vote, but that recommendation was voted down.  Gulf Coast Patriot Network’s Rex Dukes is upset the public is not being allowed to make the decision on keeping or removing the statue…

Cut 7 (08) “the council.” 

Dukes claims the Parish Council forced the vote through, not taking into account how others living outside of Shreveport felt about the issue.  He says the majority no longer rules…

Cut 8 (07) “way anymore.”

Dukes says a federal lawsuit has been filed to stop the removal of the monument, something Johnson and the full council expects.  Johnson says he can’t control what the courts will do…

Cut 9 (09) “and integrity” 

The lawsuit was filed by the Shreveport Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, which owns the monument and they claim the statute is on private property.

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The Saints are looking for their first four game winning streak since 2013 when they visit the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. New Orleans finished with a winning record that year and quarterback Drew Brees says it remains to be seen if this team will playoffs

Cut 10 (11) “right direction.”

The Saints have forced nine turnovers during the three-game winning streak and New Orleans has found a running game, rushing for 193 yards in last week’s win over Detroit. Brees says the team is heading in the right direction….

Cut 11 (11) “bit more” 

LSU goes after its third striaght victory on Saturday when they visit Ole Miss. The Tigers rallied from 20 points down to beat Auburn 27-23 last week. Head Coach Ed Orgeron says they can’t afford to fall behind early to the Rebels in Oxford…

Cut 12 (10) “start fast” 

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A Prairieville man has been arrested in connection to the fatal shooting of one man and critically injuring another on Wednesday in Ascension Parish. Chief Deputy Bobby Webre says detectives arrested 46-year-old David Foreman Jr. last night. He says more arrests are possible.

Cut 13 (10)  “violent act”

61-year-old Byron Hayes was found dead at a Prairieville home and 70-year-old Douglas Tillotson is currently in critical condition following the shooting. Webre says there is a possibility the shooting was drug related.

Cut 14 (10) “wasn’t good”

Foreman faces multiple charges including first degree murder, attempted first degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Webre says Foreman may face more charges and they are still activing investigating.

Cut 15 (10) “people involved”

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There are 49 confirmed cases and 31 people have been hospitalized as a result of a salmonella outbreak in Caldwell Parish. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A warmer and drier winter is predicted for Louisiana. Jeff Palermo spoke with a local weather expert…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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State health officials suspect Jambalaya as the cause of an outbreak of Salmonella poisoning in Caldwell Parish.  Dr. David Holcombe with the State Office of Public Health says there are 49 confirmed cases of a gastrointestinal illness with 31 people hospitalized. He says salmonella is associated with chicken and eggs.

Cut 3 (11) “cooked product”

Holcombe says they know that 300 plates of Jambalaya were served at a softball charity event over the weekend. He says one person who showed symptoms associated with Salmonella poisoning died but it is still unclear if that is what caused his death.

Cut 4  (11) “seven days” 

Holcombe says very rarely will salmonella travel into the blood causing sepsis and eventually death. He also notes salmonella is difficult to spread from person to person.

Cut 5  (07)  “do fine”

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Pineville Police have made an arrest in the stabbing death of 42-year-old Latish White. A passerby found her body near the Pineville Expressway early Wednesday morning.  Deputy Police Chief Darrell Basco says they learned 29-year-old Matthew Sonnier of Pineville was responsible for her death and arrested him in Alexandria…

Cut 6 (11)  “apprehended him.”

Basco says Sonnier was a known acquaintance of White and the two were together at the time of her death…

Cut 7 (12) “the intersecton.” 

It has been a quiet year for the Pineville Police Department.  Basco says he is glad his department worked quickly to apprehend Sonnier…

Cut 8 (06) “24 hours.”

Sonnier is charged with second degree murder and aggravated flight from an officer.  He is in the Rapides Parish Detention Center without bond.

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NOAA released their winter outlook today and it says La Nina will dictate a warmer and drier winter in Louisiana for a second year in a row. Wetter-than-average conditions are expected across the northern United States. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s a similar weather pattern we saw in 2011…

Cut 9 (12)      “drought here” 

Keim says the last few weeks of dry and warm weather are a precursor of this coming winter according to NOAA.

Cut 10 (11) “bode well.”

Does this mean there won’t be cold snaps to affect Louisiana?  Keim says don’t put the coats away.

Cut 11 (09) “or there.” 

The winter forecast will be revised by NOAA in Mid-November.

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Dr. Craig Greene will be sworn in next week as the Public Service Commissioner who will represent the Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Houma areas. Greene, who has never held political office before, explained why he ran for the position.

Cut 12 (10) “problem solving” 

Greene expects the biggest problem he will face as a public service commissioner is getting energy at the cheapest rate possible. He says the best way to solve these problems is to ask the question, how do we learn from our mistakes?

Cut 13 (11)  “done wrong”

Greene says he supports clean energy initiatives to produce electricity, but understands the use of wind energy might not be the best option in Louisiana.

Cut 14 (10) “needs met”

It is now illegal to burn a flag in Ibervile Parish.  Kelley Ray has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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There is a noted decline in voter turnout for Louisiana elections.  More from Michelle Southern.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern.”

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Media reports indicate the Clinton man suspected of shooting four people, killing three of them, called authorities to let them know he’s the shooter. Doctor Peter Scharf, a criminologist with the LSU School of Public Health on why possible serial killer Ryan Sharpe would do this

Cut 3 (07) “attention.”

Sharpe was arrested last week for allegedly fatally shooting three people and wounding another in East Baton Rouge and East Feliciana parishes. Authorities are also trying to determine a motive. A source says Sharpe’s ex-girlfriend recently got married. Scharf says many people experience heart break, but do not go on a shooting spree…

Cut 4  (09) “decifpher often.” 

Sharpe worked as a plumber. His father says what his son is accused of doing is totally out of his character. Scharf says if the suspect never alerted authorities as what’s being reported, the shootings may have continued, because Sharpe was unfamiliar to law enforcement before his arrest…

Cut 5  (09)  “criminal suspect”

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The Iberville Parish Council has made it illegal to burn the American flag. Chairman Matt Jewell says it’s in response to an Ohio flag burning incident, which  caused consternation among war veterans.  Though there has not been any incidents in Iberville Parish, he and others want to make sure it doesn’t offend Veteran’s there…

Cut 6 (07)  “discourage that.”

The ACLU says Iberville Parish can’t stipulate any laws to prevent First Amendment rights.  Louisiana’s ACLU Executive Director Marjorie Esman says the council made a mistake…

Cut 7 (10) “land is.” 

Jewell brushes off any comment made by the ACLU as the organization’s usual rhetoric…

Cut 8 (07) “enforce it.”

Iberville Parish leaders reason they passed the law since their community is very patriotic. Burning flags will result in a one-thousand-dollar fine and possibly six months in jail.  Esman says the passage of the law is just the opposite…

Cut 9 (12) “unconstitutional laws.”

The law is expected to go into effect in 30 days.

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LSU political communication professor Mike Henderson finds that voter turnout for statewide elections has been on a decline for the last 30 years. In 1983, 54-percent of the eligible voters voted for governor and in 2015 the voter turnout was down to 33-percent. Last weekend’s special election saw only a 13 percent turnout. Henderson says the voting public seems to be burned out on state politics…

Cut 10 (09) “Louisiana politics.”

Henderson hopes more information on the issues and the candidates could help increase voter participation, but it could also backfire…

Cut 11 (09) “help a lot.” 

Is it possible that having statewide elections on Saturday hurts voter turnout? Henderson says there are two trains of thought…

Cut 12 (13) “down much.” 

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Authorities in Rapides Parish are investigating a fire in a ditch off Old Boyce Road where a charred body has been found. Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Tommy Carnline says when they responded to the scene at around 6:30 this morning, the fire was put out and then deputies discovered a grim scene.

Cut 13 (07)  “conducted.”

Local media outlets report two bodies were discovered, but Carnline says that has not been confirmed.

Cut 14 (08) “human remains”

Carnline says no vehicle was involved in the fire and responding to a ditch fire is nothing out of the ordinary.

Cut 15 (11) “their mind”

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An 18-month-old toddler is dead and police have the father in custody.  More from Kelley Ray…

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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A tiger who became a roadside attraction was put to sleep Monday.  Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern.”

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A tiger who was a roadside attraction in Grosse Tete was euthanized.  Tony the Tiger lived at the Iberville Parish Tiger Truck Stop since 2001.  Due to health issues, he was put to sleep on Monday.  Attorney Jennifer Treadway says despite what protesters say, Tony died peacefully and was very loved by his caretakers…

Cut 3 (08) “men weeping.”

There have been ongoing legal battles between Tony’s owner Michael Sandlin and the Animal Legal Defense Fund.  Sandlin’s attorney Jennifer Treadway says Sandlin plans to get another tiger which he has the proper permit to do so…

Cut 4  (08) “LSU does.” 

Senior Staff Attorney for the Animal Legal Defense Fund Tony Eliseuson (Ella-susan) claims Tony lived in deplorable conditions…

Cut 5  (12)  “his demise.”

Eliseuson says they stand ready to prevent another tiger from living at that truck stop…

Cut 6 (08)  “another tiger.”

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An 18-month-old is dead following a gruesome murder.  New Orleans Police says the father, 45-year-old Mark Hambrick told police “God made him do it.”  Police Chief Michael Harrison says Hambrick called himself into police several hours after he killed the child…

Cut 7 (09) “old child.” 

Hambrick gave a detailed description to police of himself and the child and told them he would be found on his porch when police came on the property.  Harrison says the father remained strangely calm during the arrest…

Cut 8 (07) “not normal.”

Harrison says the exact motive is still unknown, however police say they are seeking any information about Hambrick that can help them with the investigation…

Cut 9 (11)  “823-1111″

Hambrick is in custody with charges to be filed later.

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Two years from now, Louisiana voters will likely be gearing up for a gubernatorial runoff election. GOP Chairman Roger Villere says they plan to go after current Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards in a big away. He says Edwards does not share many of the conservative beliefs of Louisiana voters.

Cut 10 (11) “in there”

Villere says one big name that has been mentioned a lot for the 2019 election is U.S. Senator John Kennedy. He says Kennedy is an extremely formidable candidate for the position.

Cut 11 (10) “state treasurer ” 

Villere says many other potentially strong Republican politicians have voiced interest in running for Governor.

Cut 12 (08) “at it” 

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Open enrollment for the Medicare program is now until December 7^th for 2018 plans. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says this is the only time of the year when senior citizens can shop around for their plans and compare prices. He says it’s important to find a plan that goes along with your current doctors.

Cut 13 (11)  “system.”

Donelon says there are different plans with different pricing structures available during this period, so there is a good chance for savings.

Cut 14 (11) “last year”

Staff with the Senior Health Insurance Information Program are available to talk with Louisiana residents. Donelon says call L-D-I to reach someone who can help with the shopping process at 1 (800) 259-5300.  He says there are assistance programs to help some individuals pay for healthcare premiums.

Cut 15 (09) “eligible “

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The search continues for a missing worker after an oil and gas platform exploded in Lake Pontchartrain on Sunday. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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New Orleans will see it’s first female mayor in it’s history.  Kelley Ray has more on the upcoming runoff election…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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Three victims from last night’s energy platform explosion on Lake Pontchartrain remain in critical condition and the search for one of the workers continues today. Jefferson Parish EMS Director Mike Guilliot says seven people were taken to the hospital

Cut 3 (14) “were discharged”

Officials can’t find any environmental impacts from the blast and the Coast Guard says the platform is no longer burning. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says the platform is just a storage facility and owned by Clovelly Oil Company. Lopinto says the explosion occurred at 8 PM on Sunday

Cut 4  (12) “supply boat” 

Officials say cleaning chemicals used during a maintenance operation could be a possible cause. Lopinto is not releasing much information on the 8th worker that remains missing…

Cut 5  (12)  “find em”

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Zachary police say a man accused of allegedly murdering his 11-month-old baby is in custody.  33-year-old Fabian Smith is charged in the death of Jericho Smith.  Police arrived on the scene Saturday to find the baby lying in a pool of blood with multiple stab wounds.  Police Chief David McDavid says Smith did not own up to the incident initially…

Cut 6 (08)  “tragic event.”

McDavid says they found multiple weapons in the house and the autopsy shows the baby died of stab and gunshot wounds…

Cut 7 (06) “head also.” 

McDavid says neighbors called 9-1-1 after other children in the Smith’s house ran next door telling them what happened…

Cut 8 (07) “call 911.”

Fabian Smith was the only adult home at the time of the murder.

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The three constitutional amendments on Saturday’s ballot passed and are now law. President of the Public Affairs Research Council Robert Travis Scott says the first amendment which establishes a property tax exemption for construction work in progress will make things more certain for tax assessors.

Cut 9 (11)  “be taxed”

Amendment number two expands an already existing law and will give the spouses of volunteer firefighters, EMS, and paramedics who die on duty, a full property tax exemption on their home. Scott says this will be retroactive to those who have already suffered this tragedy.

Cut 10 (10) “valuable job”

Scott says with the passage of amendment three, the state has created a new fund within the transportation fund. He says this fund will receive any new money if the legislature decided to increase the gas tax.

Cut 11 (07) “have now” 

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New Orleans is on the verge of electing its  first female mayor.  Councilwoman LaToya Cantrell and former Municipal Court Judge Desiree Charbonnet are in the November 18 runoff. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says with history in the making, more attention will be drawn to the Mayor’s race in the runoff election…

Cut 12 (07) “sharp edged.” 

Voter turnout for the Mayoral primary was 32 percent.  The state Treasurer’s race will also be decided next month. Dubos expects a less than 10 percent turnout statewide. He says Democrat Derrick Edwards and Republican John Schroder have their work cut out for them, when it comes to securing votes.

Cut 13 (09)  “a ballot.”

Dubos says even though New Orleans has never had a female mayor, it’s not a big surprise to see two women in the runoff.

Cut 14 (12) “have two.”

A dismal 13 percent voters, representing about 400,000, participated statewide on Saturday.

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Detectives in Baton Rouge are investigating a fatal shooting last night that left a 26-year-old dead after a homeowner claims he brandished a firearm and charged at him. BRPD Sgt. Don Coppola says the 36-year-old homeowner told police he was standing in his yard when he shot Clayton Bradford after a verbal altercation.

Cut 15 (10) “crimes unit”

Coppola says the investigation is still under investigation so there is no word on if the homeowner faces any charges. He says the two had a verbal altercation in the homeowner’s front yard when things turned ugly.

Cut 16  (11)  “fired”