Sunday marks the 12-year anniversary of Hurricane Rita, the last major hurricane to hit Louisiana. Don Molino has more…:

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards is requesting a review of campus policies regarding hazing and alcohol. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

A Breaux Bridge Police Officer is under arrest amid allegations he was engaging in sexual relations with a 16-year-old juvenile. State Police is investigating and Master Trooper Brooks David says Breaux Bridge Police Chief Rollie Cantu contacted LSP detectives about the claims against 29-year-old Craig David…:

Cut 3 (10) “this juvenile”

Officer David was charged with carnal knowledge of a juvenile, computer aided solicitation of a minor and malfeasance in office. Master Trooper David says it’s a shame when LSP has to arrest someone sworn to protect the public:

Cut 4  (09) “and do the right thing”

State Police is investigating a fiery crash in St. Landry Parish Thursday night which claimed the lives of two people. Master Trooper Brooks David says officers attempted to stop a vehicle for traveling the wrong way on a one-way road. He says the driver did not stop and he feld from police, later failing to negotiate a curve…:

Cut 5  (08)  “that building”

________________________________________________

Sunday marks the 12-year anniversary of Hurricane Rita making landfall near the Texas-Louisiana boarder. State Climatologist Barry Keim says nationwide it’s a forgotten storm, because of the destruction left behind by Hurricane Katrina, but Rita had higher maximum sustained winds and

Cut 6 (10)  18,7 feet”

Keim says Rita even re-flooded parts of New Orleans. But he says the hardest hit areas were low-lying communities in southwest Louisiana….

Cut 7 (11)  “once were”

Rita is the last major hurricane to hit Louisiana. It still ranks number four all-time for lowest atmospheric pressure and seventh for highest maximum sustained winds, which was 180-miles per hour. Keim says Rita was also relatively a quick moving storm

Cut 8 (08) “at Bunkie”

__________________________________________________________

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore sent an email to local school administrators alerting them police have seen an increase in possession of alcohol and intoxication among high school students at LSU home games. Moore says law enforcement agencies that provide security on LSU game days will increase their presence

Cut 9 (12)  “his future”

The letter comes ad the campus is reeling from the death of an 18-year-old fraternity pledge. Hospital tests show Maxwell Gruver had a high level of alcohol in his system. There was also the arrest of an 18-year-old, who was caught on video knocking out an LSU student on the Parade Grounds.  Moore says he wants LSU tailgaiting to remain a safe atmosphere…

Cut 10 (08) “out here”

Meanwhile Governor John Bel Edwards is requesting university officials to review their hazing, drug and alchol abuse policies. Edwards does not want to see another student die as a result of a possible hazing incident

Cut 11 (11) “redouble our efforts”

Edwards says it’s up to the state to ensure students who attend a Louisiana university are safe from harm….

Cut 12 (10) “what happened” 

________________________________________________

Saturday is National Hunting and Fishing Day and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is celebrating by hosting four events to get people outdoors. L-D-W-F spokesperson Joel Courtney says if you don’t have opportunities to fish or hunt, then come to one of these celebrations…

Cut 13 (08)       hunter educators”

Courtney says the events are at rifle ranges in West Monroe, Woodworth and Haughton, plus the Waddill Willdlife Refuge in Baton Rouge….

Cut 14 (11) “we’re doing”

Hunters for the Hungry is hosting their annual “Clean out your Freezer Day” to benefit food banks throughout Louisiana. On Sunday from 1pm to 4pm, hunters with leftover meat are encouraged to donate before they stock up this hunting season. H-F-H Executive Director Jimmy Anthony says the donations will be directly distributed to nearly 400 agencies across the state:

Cut 15 (11) “bounty of nature”

Even frozen items that are non-hunting related are acceptable donations. The program started nearly 25 years ago when a group of hunters thought it was a shame to waste all of last year’s frozen game. Anthony says they keep growing and growing every year…:

Cut 16  (09)  “for us”

To find a collection site in your area visit hunters-the-number-4-hungry-Louisiana-dot-org (hunters4hungrylouisiana.org).

__________________________________________________________

Louisiana is the second hungriest state in the nation. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

This is Louisiana Craft Brewers Week, designated to commemorate beers brewed right here in the state, and the people who make it possible. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

A new report from the USDA finds there are over 41 million Americans, including 13 million children, who lived at risk of hunger in 2016. Bread for the World, a movement in the US to end hunger, broke the numbers down by state, and found that Louisiana is the second hungriest in the nation. President David Beckmann says this should be a wake-up call…:

Cut 3 (11) “or eating at all”

Beckmann said the hunger problem in the state is concentrated among African Americans where about 1 out of 3 families may run out of food for the month.

Cut 4  (07) “white families”

Beckmann said there are several ways to reverse this trend such as maintaining funding for Medicaid, SNAP, and providing tax credits for low-income families:

Cut 5  (10)  “roughly”

________________________________________________

Good budget news for the state has been hard to find, but we finally found some. Governor John Bel Edwards says the state ended up with a 143-million dollar surplus for the fiscal year that ended June 30th. Edwards says it’s a sign Louisiana’s economy is improving….

Cut 6 (08) “forecasts”

The Edwards administration had to close two mid-year shortfalls last year, but a higher than anticipated increase in personal income and sales tax collections helped create the surplus. The governor says the state’s constitution limits how the surplus money can be used…

Cut 7 (10)  “debt”

Because of limits on how the surplus money can be spent, it can not be used to help the state close an anticipated one-billion dollar budget gap next fiscal year. Edwards says he’s having positive meetings with legislators and business leaders over how the state can replace the loss of temporary taxes that expire in July….

Cut 8 (12) “many decades”

__________________________________________________________

This is Louisiana Craft Brewers Week, designated to commemorate beers brewed right here in the state, and the people who make it possible. Cary Koch (COKE), Executive Director of the Louisiana Craft Brewers Guild, says when this designation was made by the State Legislature in 2013, there were just 7 breweries that took part, and three brewpubs…:

Cut 9 (10)  “this industry”

LACBW events include tap takeovers, samplings of cask ales, special beer releases, and opportunities to meet the brewers. Koch says this week is about giving back to Louisiana Craft Beer, and you can log on to la-beer.org to find a brewery near you…:

Cut 10 (12) “far away”

Koch says Louisiana has over 30 breweries and brew pubs — and establishments in every corner of the state are opening up their taps and shevles to carry these locally made beers. He says these brewers make it a priority to use as many Louisiana-made products as possible…:

Cut 11 (08) “so heavily”

__________________________________________________________

There is a tragic story out of Denham Springs. Police say a 5-year-old child was run over and killed in the street moments after leaving an ice cream truck. Amber Fairburn with Denham Springs PD says officers were dispatched Wednesday evening…:

Cut 12 (09) “to Ochsner” 

No charges are filed in the incident. Fairburn says the child was pronounced dead at a local hospital. She says the driver of the vehicle indicated he did not see the little boy…:

Cut 13 (09) “Toyota Tundra”

_________________________________________________________

An off-duty Slidell Police Lieutenant was killed last night in a motorcycle accident on Brownswitch Road. Trooper Dustin Dwight says a 29-year-old Gina Marie Groglio of Pearl River was attempting to make a left hand turn into a private drive when she struck the motorcycle driven by 52-year-old Ray Dupuy

Cut 14 (09) “didn’t see”

Dupuy served on the Slidell Police Department for over two decades. Impairment is not suspected to be a contributing factor in the crash, but Dwight says Groglio was cited for improper turning…

Cut 15 (12) “DOT helmet”

Governor John Bel Edwards confirmed on his monthly call in radio show that Amazon is set to build a distribution center in Louisiana. Michael Farrar reports…:

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Michael Farrar reporting”

______________________________________

A report by the Fordham Institute finds public school teachers are absent much more than charter school educators. Emelie Gunn gets reaction from a teacher’s union.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

LSU’s star running back will not play on Saturday night against Syracuse. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

___________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards confirmed on his monthly call in radio show that Amazon is set to build a distribution center somewhere in Louisiana, but details are limited at the time. He says either way, it’s great news that the online retail giant is bringing a part of its operation to the state…:

Cut 4  (08) “from Amazon”

Other states report a single Amazon distribution center has the potential to create hundreds of jobs. Edwards says he doesn’t know where the distribution center will be located, because there is still more than one site under consideration. He says, once it happens, it will be great for brick and mortar retailers as well…:

Cut 5  (10)  “sales tax”

The state has also said they are very interested in being the home of the second Amazon headquarters which the company said would bring an investment of $5 billion dollars and 50,000 jobs. Edwards says the state is still working with Amazon in order to finalize the site selection…:

Cut 6 (07) “to select”

________________________________________________________

A Fordham Institute study finds 28-percent of public school teachers missed more than 10 days of work compared to charter school teachers at 10-percent. But Louisiana Federation of Teachers spokesperson Les Landon says Fordham skews data to show public education isn’t doing well. He says the report also claims generous collective bargaining agreements lead to an increase in teacher absences…

Cut 7 (11)  “arguement”

Landon says teachers in charter schools are often much younger than traditional public school teachers. He also says they are extremely mobile, as many educators in charter schools come from the Teach for America Program.

Cut 8 (10) “spouses”

Landon says teachers are entitled to 10 sick days according to state law. He says traditional public school educators and charter schools teachers are not comparable.

Cut 9 (08)  “situation”

____________________________________________________

After a long wait, the car-sharing service, Uber, is finally available in Monroe, West Monroe and areas governed by Ouachita Parish. Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo says his office has spent the last six months working on a contract with Uber and he knows the city is excited it’s finally official…

Cut 10 (08) “with em”

Mayo says he’s also hoping to work out a deal with Lyft as well. Mayo says ride-sharing services are needed because they have many visitors coming into the city, because of businesses like CenturyLink, Chase, Advantage and Gardner Denver Thomas

Cut 11 (07) “accommodate them”

Mayo says he knows Uber has already signed up a lot of drivers who are looking to make some extra money driving people around town. The mayor thanks the city council and the city attorney’s office for helping to make Uber a reality in Monroe…

Cut 12 (08) “our citizens “

__________________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech University has set an enrollment record for this fall as nearly 13-thousand students are taking classes this fall, which is 17-percent increase since the fall of 2013. Jim King is the Vice President for Student Advancement…

Cut 13 (09) “academically prepared”

King says the average ACT score of 24.71 for first-time freshmen is also a university record….

Cut 14 (09) “have em”

King says they’ve been able to boost enrollment at Louisiana Tech, despite state budget cuts. He says when you are listed on U.S. News and World Report’s 2018 Best Colleges list, it helps attracts students to your school….

Cut 15 (06) “come up here”

____________________________________________

LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says star running back Derrius Guice will not play in Saturday’s home game against Syracuse. Guice reportedly has a knee injury. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran believes LSU is being cautious with its best offensive player. Moran says this gives senior Darrell Williams a chance to start…

Cut 16  (15)  “of carries”

There is some positive injury news. Orgeron says starting defensive end Rashard Lawerence should play against the Orange. Moran says the former Neville star’s return to the field is critical…

Cut 17 (16)  “thin at”

It’s rare that an LSU football team loses by 30 points. Moran expects the Tigers to bounce back this Saturday and they performed well last season after losses with Orgeron at the helm….

Cut 18 (14) “as a coach” 

LSU’s suspension on Greek activities in the wake of the death of fraternity pledge Max Gruver, is rife with constitutional concerns, according to attorney Scott Sternberg. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

The number of babies born in Louisiana that are exposed to illegal substances has tripled from 2008 to 2016, according the DCFS. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

LSU’s suspension on Greek activities in the wake of the death of fraternity pledge Max Gruver, is rife with constitutional concerns, according to attorney Scott Sternberg. LSU officials said fraternities and sororities can’t tailgate in a group of more than 10, or do most things together as an organization. Sternberg says LSU is trying to teach these students a lesson, but:

Cut 3 (11) “constitutional rights”

Sternberg also questions the prohibition of wearing Greek attire on LSU’s gameday. He fails to see how that has anything to do with educating students about making good decisions…:

Cut 4  (07) “with your group”

Sternberg said a public institution should not be allowed to tell these adult students that they can’t exercise their basic rights of association. He says telling an organization that they can’t have a group gathering in a public forum, where everyone else can, is incredibly problematic…:

Cut 5  (12)  “organization” (2x)

________________________________________________

Last night on Jimmy Kimmel Live, the TV host bashed the health care plan being pushed by US Senator Bill Cassidy. “The Jimmy Kimmel Test” is what Cassidy had previously said on the show the nation’s healthcare system should pass, but Kimmel on Tuesday accused Louisiana’s Senator of being a liar..:

Cut 6 (10) “none of those things”

Cassidy responded soon after on CNN and implied Kimmel didn’t understand the bill. The Jimmy Kimmel test would mean no family should be denied medical care, because they can’t afford it. But Kimmel said the Graham-Cassidy bill is a scam that’s trying to sneak in confusing language which does nothing they claim it does…:

Cut 7 (10)  “insurance companies”

Kimmel listed organizations that oppose the Graham-Cassidy bill, then flashed a goofy picture of Cassidy and asked who people should trust. He then urged people to call Cassidy’s Congressional office…:

Cut 8 (08) “wants this bill”

__________________________________________________________

The State Department of Children and Family Services reports that the number of babies born in Louisiana who are exposed to alcohol and drugs while in the womb has tripled from 2008 to 2016. Assistant Secretary for Child Welfare Rhenda Hodnett says last year, that number reached nearly 17-hundred.

Cut 9 (10)  “newborns”

Hodnett says DCFS works to push prevention, awareness, and intervention for children born addicted to drugs. She says caseworkers are assigned to help in the areas with the biggest problems.

Cut 10 (11) “intervention”

Hodnett says they are partnering with the Children’s Trust Fund to prevent mothers with substance abuse problems from using while pregnant. She says an awareness campaign has also been initiated.

Cut 11 (10) “general public”

__________________________________________________________

From three to six PM tomorrow, young adults can attend a job fair in their area to find seasonal work and possibly a full-time job. The Louisiana Workforce Commission Business and Career Solutions Center is hosting job fairs at 25 locations across the state. L-W-C Executive Director Ava Dejoie says to find the job fair closest to you go to la-works-dot-net…

Cut 12 (11) “these jobs” 

Dejoie says the average wages for these jobs are starting at 10-dollars an hour….

Cut 13 (10) “difficult circumstances

Walmart is one of the companies participating in the Seasonal Job Fair as the national retail giant plans to hire 12-hundred workers in Louisiana for the holiday season. Dejoie says providing job opportunities for young adults helps their professional development and the state’s economy…

Cut 14 (10) “work experience”

__________________________________________________________

A former BREC Commissioner was found shot to death outside of his home in Pride at around 5:45 Tuesday night. East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Casey Rayborn Hicks says when police arrived they attempted to resuscitate 66-year-old Carroll Breeden but he died at the scene.

Cut 15 (08) “shots fired”

Breeden was the BREC Commissioner from 2001 to 2007. Hicks says the investigation is ongoing and urges anyone who may have seen something to contact the police or call Crime Stoppers. She says family members inside the house and neighbors heard the gunshots and called 911.

Cut 16  (09)  “to justice”

Could LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva be worried about his job if football tanks this season? Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

After the tragic death of LSU freshman Max Gruver, the dangers of hazing have become an important conversation in Louisiana. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

An email poll by Governor John Bel Edwards asks his supporters if they back a higher minimum wage. Michael Farrar has more on why this question was asked…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

___________________________________________________

After LSU’s 30-point loss to Mississippi State last Saturday, some are wondering if Head Coach Ed Orgeron was the right man to choose for the job.
But Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says one thing to keep in mind is that Athletic Director Joe Alleva’s fate lies with the Board of Supervisors…:

Cut 4  (10) “do that”

Worsham says right now it’s a little too early to saw if there will be any changes in leadership with the athletic department, as there has only been one SEC game this season. But he says the hire of Coach O was strictly a call made by Alleva, and if things remain bleak there will be consequences…:

Cut 5  (10)  “reprecutions there”

Some were skeptical of Orgeron’s hire because of his 10-25 record at Ole Miss from 2005 to 2007. Worsham says there’s no doubt Alleva will be judged by how well Coach O handles the job. He says if this ends up being a let-down football season, it won’t matter that Alleva made a good hire in men’s basketball coach Will Wade…:

Cut 6 (10) “most fans”

________________________________________________________

The dangers of hazing have become an important conversation in the wake of LSU freshman Max Gruver’s death. Gruver was pledging at Phi Delta Theta and high amounts of alcohol were found in his system.  Executive Director of HazingPrevention.org Emily Pualwan says hazing has been around for centuries. She says it’s different than bullying.

Cut 7 (11)  “that badly”

Pualwan says universities can look back and see a pattern of hazing, but only realize the escalation after something as terrible as a death occurs. She says hospitalization and death are the only way for the public to know about hazing and unfortunately it can have fatal consequences…

Cut 8 (10) “involved”

LSU has temporarily shut down their entire Greek system after Gruver’s death. Pualwan says there are couple of private schools that have eliminated Greek life and they hope universities and fraternities learn from the mistakes that have led to tragedy on college campuses…

Cut 9 (09)  “involved”

____________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards released an email poll asking if Louisiana residents support raising the minimum wage. ULM Political Science Professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says this survey is more about fundraising, as many of his supporters already want to increase the state’s minimum wage, which is $7.25.

Cut 10 (09) “minimum wage”

Stockley says this message was also sent out to raise awareness that this is a campaign pledge the governor ran on and he continues to support it. He says Edwards is looking for more public support, as this issue is not gaining traction in the legislature.

Cut 11 (10) “minimum wage”

Bills to increase the minimum wage have been introduced in the legislature the last two years, but despite the governor’s support they have failed to make it through the process. Stockley says since the governor has made it known he plans on running for reelection in 2019, it’s important that he continues to fight for a higher minimum wage.

Cut 12 (09) “arguments “

__________________________________________________________

The Louisiana Association of Educators says a poll of Louisiana parents finds that 65-percent believe the state places too much emphasis on student testing. L-A-E President Debbie Meaux says parents and their children are not excited about filling out bubbles on a test….

Cut 13 (11) “standardized test”

The L-A-E survey also found 55-percent of respondents believe a student’s  test performance should not play a major role in determining a teacher’s effectiveness. Meaux says tomorrow a new 25-member panel will meet to examine whether public school students are over tested…

Cut 14 (12) “kids are learning”

Meaux says they hope the Commission on Assessment Review and Use in Public schools, which meets tomorrow in Baton Rouge, will consider that it’s important to maximize the amount of time teachers have to actively engage students…

Cut 15 (10) “in learning”

____________________________________________

The Warhawks and Ragin Cajuns renew their rivalry this Saturday as they face each other in Lafayette. ULM Head Coach Matt Viator is impressed with UL-Lafayette’s offense, which is averaging 38 points a game and led by quarterback Jordan Davis….

Cut 16  (15)  “making plays”

In years past, these two teams have met late in the year, but this season it’s the Sun Belt opener for both teams. Hudspeth says that raises the importance of this contest…

Cut 17 (18)  “the season”

_________________________________________________________

For the first time since 2007, Nicholls State is ranked in a college football poll. The Colonels come in at number 23 in the FCS Coaches Poll. Head Coach Tim Rebowe says it’s a nice honor, but he’s more concerned about playing defending Southland champion Sam Houston state this Saturday….

Cut 18 (13) “mean anything” 

Last year, Sam Houston beat Nicholls 38-21 in Thibodaux. Rebowe says Bearkats quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe is a major concern…

Cut 19 (20)   the ball“

U.S Senator John Kennedy plans to vote for Senator Cassidy’s bill to repeal and replace the ACA but, says it needs improvement. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

23-year-old Kenneth Gleason, who cops said could be racially motivated, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of two black men in Baton Rouge. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services has received a grant to increase the number of child welfare workers. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says her staff has decreased by 600 employees over the last 10 years and this is an opportunity to address the high turnover rate.

Cut 3 (10) “very best”

Nearly half of the child welfare workers who left DCFS in 2016, had less than three years of service. Walters says there is a direct correlation between the case load and the turnover rate.

Cut 4  (08) “Baton Rouge”

A study finds children with more case workers have less stability. Walters says with this grant, they will be able to find out what are the solutions to the increased rate of turnover.

Cut 5  (10)  “for them”

________________________________________________

U.S. Senator John Kennedy supports his fellow Louisiana lawmaker’s health care bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Kennedy says he plans to vote for U.S Senator Bill Cassidy’s measure but it can be better. He says for example, Cassidy’s legislation gives states the choice if they want to impose a work requirement.

Cut 6 (08) “healthcare”

Kennedy also advises adding a plan to prevent Medicaid fraud. He say currently, patients do not really know how much a procedure costs and he wants to change that.

Cut 7 (09)  “actually cost”

Kennedy says another amendment he will propose would prevent states from taking block grant funding and establishing a single payer health insurance system. He says he’d rather have private insurance companies provide coverages that could help lower healthcare costs.

Cut 8 (10) “real work”

__________________________________________________________

The Baton Rouge Police Department announces 23-year-old Kenneth Gleason is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the random deaths of two black men last week that cops had said could be racially motivated. BRPD Interim Police Chief Jonny Dunnam said Gleason is also being charged for allegedly shooting up a black family’s home near his parents’ house…:

Cut 9 (07)  “killed again”

East Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore said the suspect’s DNA was found on shell casings, which he added normally doesn’t happen. He said they were initially able to connect the shootings because of the disturbing way each incident unfolded…:

Cut 10 (10) “continues to fire”

Moore said the suspect allegedly prepared for the killings by purchasing weapons and multiple types of ammunition. He added that while the suspect is innocent until proven guilty, based on the allegations this case would qualify for the death penalty…:

Cut 11 (09) “and defenseless”

__________________________________________________________

There could be a number of legal issues if any type of hazing related charges are pressed against fraternity members at LSU where an 18-year-old pledge died last week. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says a major grey area in a case like that of Max Gruver, is whether the hazing victim consented to some extent

Cut 12 (09) “be a battery” 

Ciolino says if the conduct surpasses what the victim has agreed to, that’s when the law is broken. He says clearly the DA is involved in this case and it will likely come down to whether there was gross negligence in serving alcohol to Gruver…:

Cut 13 (05) “prosecution“

Ciolino says there are laws that protect social hosts and bars from liability for serving alcohol to adults, but not to minors…:

Cut 14 (10) “was the victim”

__________________________________________________________

LSU has completed its contract with the company that will grow medical marijuana, clearing the way for cultivation to begin. Michael Farrar reports..:

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

______________________________________

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center receives a six-million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to study how to improve soldiers’ nutrition. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Four sheriff’s offices have filed state lawsuits in an effort to stop the opioid abuse epidemic. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

___________________________________________________

LSU has taken the final step in the medical marijuana contract process, which means patients with debilitating conditions could have the drug in their hands some time next year. LSU vice president for Agriculture Dr. Bill Richardson says the agreement with the cannabis company GB Sciences is done; and he predicts they’ll be moving quickly to begin cultivation…:

Cut 4  (08) “East Baton Rouge Parish”

Richardson says GB Sciences has a first-class production and research facility. He says he visited the operation in Las Vegas a few weeks ago and was extraordinarily impressed, especially with their commitment to medical…:

Cut 5  (10)  “recreational side”

Richardson says he doesn’t know when the drug will be available in 2018, because they have to make sure everything is done right…:

Cut 6 (10) “endeavor”

________________________________________________________

Pennington Biomedical Research Center has been awarded a 6.7 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to study military nutrition and metabolism research. Researcher Dr. Jennifer Rood (Rude) says they will focus on how to ensure a healthy and fit military…

Cut 7 (11)  “situation”

Rood says Pennington has worked to improve the performance of the U.S. military for the last 29 years. She says the facility has the expertise to conduct research that’s not available within the Department of Defense.

Cut 8 (11) “United States”

Pennington is the only entity that has received funding for this work and they are the number one provider of nutritional information for the Department of Defense. Rood says this research could change the eating habits of soldiers.

Cut 9 (08)  “the globe”

____________________________________________________

Four sheriff’s offices in Louisiana have filed lawsuits against drug companies and physicians for allegedly helping to grow the opioid crisis. Attorney David Laborde says the defendants have misrepresented the proper use of opioids which has led to an epidemic and an uptick in crime

Cut 10 (12) “as inmates”

Avoyelles, Lafayette, Jefferson Davis and Rapides have filed lawsuits in state courts in their respective parishes. Laborde says the sheriff’s offices are seeking to recoup the money law enforcement has spent on dealing with the opioid epidemic…

Cut 11 (12) “misuse”

Laborde says data from 2015 shows there were more opioid prescriptions than residents, which is a key argument in their lawsuit. He says opioids were originally intended to be used for just a short period in particular with those experiencing end of life pain…

Cut 12 (09) “the country”

__________________________________________________________

Two elected officials in the northwest Louisiana town of Stanley suffered burns from an explosion at their home. DeSoto Parish Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle says Mayor Sharon Fletcher and her mother Dwena Henry, who is the alderman and former mayor, suffered burns on their bodies. He says the 92-year-old Henry is fighting for her life…

Cut 13 (07) “and released”

A third person, William Roe, also suffered burns in the explosion and should be released from the hospital today. Arbuckle says Henry suffered third-degree burns over 50-percent of her body and the town of Stanley is praying for her recovery….

Cut 14 (09) “well thought of”

Arbuckle says Henry is lucky to be alive and doctors say the next 48 hours will be critical. The sheriff says she is a vital part of the community as she’s served as mayor, now alderwoman and in February retired as the scorekeeper of the Stanley High basketball for 55 years…

Cut 15 (09) “Mrs Dwena”

____________________________________________

LSU football coach Ed Orgeron is confident his team will rebound from Saturday’s shocking 30-point loss to Mississippi State. Orgeron believes the loss to the Bulldogs could be a turning point for the Tigers

Cut 16  (18)  “of the season”

Nearly every LSU player performed badly against State, including senior quarterback Danny Etling, who completed just 45-percent of his passes for 137 yards. True freshman Myles Brennan watched from the sidelines, but Orgeron says Brennan might play more in the near future

Cut 17 (17)  “same goes”

Running back Derius Guice the lack of production on offense on Saturday was not all Etling’s fault, it was a breakdown by the entire unit….

Cut 18 (12) “next game” 

On defense, the Tigers lost outside contain on numerous occasions, which led to big gains on the ground. Cornerback Donte Jackson says the corners and safeties have to do a better job at keeping ball carriers in the middle of the field…

Cut 19 (19)   bad position“

A person of interest in the fatal shooting of two black men in Baton Rouge last week has been released on bond. Emelie Gunn has more….

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Whether or not charges will be filed in the case of the LSU freshman who died in a possible hazing incident is still a long way from being known. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

A Baton Rouge man considered a person of interest in the shooting deaths of two black men last week, has bonded out of jail. 23-year-old Kenneth Gleason was arrested over the weekend on drug charges. Baton Rouge Police Sgt. Don Coppola says Gleason has yet to be cleared of the homicides.

Cut 3 (09) “together”

The first murder took place last Tuesday night when 59-year-old Bruce Cofield was fatally shot and on Thursday, near LSU, 49-year-old Donald Smart was shot to death while walking to work. Coppola says Gleason was in a vehicle that matched the description from the two homicide investigations. He says they are still working to determine a motive.

Cut 4  (08) “possible motive”

Coppola says Gleason was charged with possession of a schedule one, marijuana and a schedule three, human growth hormone. He says the circumstances surrounding both shootings are extremely similar.

Cut 5  (09)  “two together”

________________________________________________

The White House holds a summit with presidents of black colleges today, but Grambling State President Rick Gallot is not there. Gallot says he’s not boycotting, but there’s a lot happening on Grambling campus’ between the start of a new semester and football season…

Cut 6 (07) “this year”

New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond says he’s not surprised many black college presidents have declined to come. Richmond says policies need to be established to help these schools with scholarships, campus infrastructure and teacher pay. Gallot adds they are still waiting for a person to be named to head the White House Initiative on HBCUs….

Cut 7 (11)  “with my schedule”

Gallot attended a White House meeting earlier this year and he’s pleased they’ve re-opened the access to Pell Grants for summer school students…

Cut 8 (07) “right direction”

__________________________________________________________

East Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore says it will probably be a while before they’ll know if charges will be brought in the case of the LSU freshman who died in a possible hazing incident at his fraternity. Preliminary autopsy findings indicated that 18-year-old Max Gruver had high levels of alcohol in his system at the time of death. Moore says this investigation will be long:

Cut 9 (05)  “60 people”

The official cause of death from the coroner’s office may not be known for several weeks as they await toxicology results. Moore says some members of the fraternity were fully cooperative with LSU police…:

Cut 10 (08) “yet to be interviewed”

Attorneys say whether or not felony charges would be brought likely depends on if there is evidence of hazing. Moore says he’s met with the Gruver family and they are devastated…:

Cut 11 (08) “pick up your son”

__________________________________________________________

The Louisiana Democratic Party opposes U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy’s and three other Republican lawmakers bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Party Spokesperson D’Seante Parks says this legislation would end the Medicaid expansion, which covers more than 430-thousand Louisiana residents.

Cut 12 (11) “health insurance” 

Parks says every resident should have access to affordable healthcare and Cassidy’s legislation to provide block grant funding to the state will make it more difficult for low income individuals to purchase coverage.

Cut 13 (11) “lowering costs “

Parks says it’s important to protect the Affordable Care Act, because it has allowed many individuals to finally have access to affordable health insurance….

(Cassidy says his legislation will give power to the states when it comes to how health care should be offered in this country. He says that will hope lower premiums and the ball also calls for the end of the individual and employer mandate.)

Cut 14 (10) “their families”

__________________________________________________________

State leaders are in Washington D.C. today meeting with the US Army Corps of Engineers to discuss the Comite River Diversion Canal. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

It was a rough weekend for Louisiana’s two most popular football teams. Jeff Palermo looks back at LSU’s 37-7 shocking loss to Mississippi State….

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

While the nation saw an increase in median household income in 2016, Louisiana saw the largest decline in the country at 2.1-percent. Michael Farrar has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

___________________________________________________

Today, Governor John Bel Edwards and DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson are in Washington D.C. to meet with the US Army Corps of Engineers to discuss the long-delayed Comite River Diversion Canal, a flood control project for the Baton Rouge area. Wilson says the state has committed a significant amount of resources for this project, and it’s time for the Corps to do their part…:

Cut 4  (10) “for the state match”

Wilson says the project, intended to be funded by the Corps, was approved in 1992, and has been tied up over the years in federal bureaucracy. He says they know that the floods of 2016 would have been lessened to a certain extent by this project, and Louisiana is ready to move the ball…:

Cut 5  (10)  “its obligations”

Wilson says the project would be a channel that diverts water out of the Comite, and takes it directly to the Mississippi River and away from more populated areas. He says the dollars that the state has ready to spend will help move the project forward, but the feds need to commit to getting it done:

Cut 6 (07) “we will proceed”

________________________________________________________

For the fourth consecutive year, the Saints have started 0-2 as they dropped a 36-20 decision to the New England Patriots. Quarterback Tom Brady scorched the New Orleans defense for 447 yards and three touchdowns. On offense, the Saints converted just 33% of their third down opportunities.  

Cut 7 (12)  “us  a chance”

The Patriots jumped out to a 20-3 lead as Brady made it look easy. Payton says the lack of a pass rush allowed the Pats to put up 557 total yards of offense.

Cut 8 (12) “much time”

The Saints have now lost 11 of their last 12 games in the month of September. They travel to Carolina this Sunday and Payton believes this team can turn things around. 

Cut 9 (13)  “made of”

____________________________________________________

The median household income in Louisiana declined by over 2-percent in 2016, the largest decrease in the nation according to Census Figures. Dr. LSU Economist Loren Scott says this decrease is a result of the struggling oil and gas industry. He says we have three metropolitan areas that are in a recession, Houma, Lafayette and Shreveport.

Cut 10 (08) “oil patches”

Scott says there are definitely signs of optimism for better numbers in 2017. He says the rate of decline in both Houma and Lafayette has significantly lessened.

Cut 11 (10) “the state”

Louisiana looks to be improving as we gained 24,200 nonfarm jobs since August of last year. Scott says the job numbers have been up for May, June, and July.

Cut 12 (10) “oil patch”

__________________________________________________________

Attorney General Jeff Landry is alerting consumers to be on the lookout when buying vehicles, as nearly one million vehicles were flooded in Texas and Florida during recent hurricanes. Landry says these flood-damaged vehicles could end up on the streets and sold to unsuspecting car buyers…

Cut 13 (10) “ride”

Landry says fraudsters tend to cross state lines to avoid scrutiny and they work to obtain false titles to hide flood damage. He advises consumers to obtain a vehicle history report. The A-G says when shopping on the lot, there are some things you can look for that could point to a previously flooded vehicle…

Cut 14 (11) “of water”

Landry says if you suspect someone is knowingly selling a flood damaged vehicle, contact your local authorities or call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 351-4889.

Cut 15 (11) “to justice”

____________________________________________

“Tell the truth Monday” will not be kind for the LSU Tigers after they were embarrassed 37-7 by Mississippi State. The Tigers were beat at the line of scrimmage, the defense had blown assignments and LSU also committed 9 penalties for 112 yards. Quarterback Danny Etling is bothered by the high number of penalties…

Cut 16  (15)  “shoot yourself in your foot”

The loss drops LSU’s record to 2-1. Etling says he’s not giving up on the season and is eager to correct the mistakes that led to Saturday’s blowout loss…

Cut 17 (18)  “better leader”

LSU is back in Tiger Stadium on Saturday night as they host Syracuse. Etling says he’s ready to lead the team back into the win column…

Cut 18 (11) “going again” 

__________________________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech rallied back from a 22-13 4th quarterpas deficit to beat conference rival Western Kentucky 23-22. Jonathan Barnes 22-yard field goal with two seconds left gave the Bulldogs an important win as they look to win the Conference USA western division. Barnes had three field goals on the night…

Cut 19 (19)   big time“

The victory ended Western Kentucky’s 13-game home winning streak in conference games. Sophomore quarterback J’mar Smith passed for 306 yards.

cut 20 (17)  “the victory” 

The preliminary autopsy report on the LSU student who died during a possible fraternity hazing incident has been released. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

LSU opens SEC play tomorrow night with a battle against the Bulldogs of Mississippi State. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner Dr. Beau Clark has released preliminary autopsy findings on the body of the 18-year-old LSU student who died in what the university had called a possible hazing incident at his fraternity. Clark says they did not find any internal or external signs of trauma on Maxwell Gruver:

Cut 3 (06) “the hospital”

Clark says Gruver was driven to the hospital in a private vehicle from the Phi Delta Theta fraternity house and was later pronounced dead. His office will provide a comprehensive toxicology test which takes as long as four weeks to complete. Clark says they also discovered that Gruver had some swelling in the brain and lungs…:

Cut 4  (09) “around death”

LSU is investigating the incident and the fraternity to see if hazing played a role in Gruver’s death. Clark says many people don’t realize that even though alcohol is legal, it still has potentially dangerous adverse effects..:

Cut 5  (09)  “some trouble”

________________________________________________

There’s a lot of excitement surrounding Saturday’s SEC opener for LSU and Mississippi State. Kick-off in Starkville is at 6 PM. Director of Tourism for the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, Jennifer Prather, says fans wearing Purple and Gold started arriving on Thursday….

Cut 6 (10) “with us”

The 12th ranked Tigers and Bulldogs are both 2-0 and this is a critical game for both programs. Prather says SEC Nation will broadcast live from their tailgating spot The Junction on Saturday morning….

Cut 7 (10)  “to Saturday”

Prather says they anticipate LSU and State fans will attend tonight’s Bulldog Bash, which is hailed as Mississippi’s largest outdoor free concert

Cut 8 (11) “as well”

__________________________________________________________

An Alexandria Police officer has been booked into the Rapides Parish detention center on malfeasance and drug charges. State Trooper Scott Moreau says State Police received a tip last month regarding criminal activity involving 42-year-old Kenneth Thomas of Deville

Cut 9 (09)  “illegal drugs”

Moreau says Louisiana State Police is leading the investigation and it’s difficult when it leads to the arrest of a person wearing a badge…

Cut 10 (09) “your own”

Alexandria Police Chief Neal Bates says Officer Thomas has been placed on Administrative Leave. Moreau says their month long investigation revealed that Thomas had sex with at least one woman, while on-duty, and distributing illegal drugs….

Cut 11 (09) “detention center”

__________________________________________________________

The principal wanted by Baton Rouge police after allegedly locking a 5-year-old in a closet has turned himself in to authorities. Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says 31-year-old Shafeeq Deen has been charged with cruelty to a juvenile and false imprisonment.

Cut 12 (10) “additional charges”

McKneely says other students at Laurel Oaks Charter School are coming forward claiming Deen punished them in similar ways.

Cut 13 (10) “other students “

McKneely says investigators determined Deen locked the student in the closet as a means of disciplinary action. He says luckily other teachers heard the 5-year-old crying.

Cut 14 (08) “had occurred”

__________________________________________________________