A Navy veteran has chosen not to accept the Peoples Health Champion Award at the next Saints home game. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry is not happy the Edwards administration has filed a lawsuit against drug manufacturers over the opioid crisis and he’s asked a state judge to take over the suit. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A United States Navy veteran has declined to accept the Peoples Health Champion Award during this Sunday’s Saints game in the Superdome. Commander John Wells says he was very honored and excited when he was named a recipient. But he says the anthem protests by NFL players are a slap in the face to veterans.

Cut 3 (08) “for years”

Wells spent 22 years in the Navy and has been an advocate to get better benefits for military veterans. Wells says he understands there is a reason for the protests and there are some problems between police and the public…

Cut 4  (11) “disrespecting it” 

Wells says if there is a conversation to be had, let’s have the conversation…

Cut 5  (05)  “conversation”

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Another legal battle is brewing between Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards and Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry. The A-G filed a motion in court this week to take control of the Edwards administration lawsuit that accuses pharmaceutical companies of worsening the opioid crisis. Landry says it only makes sense for his office to handle this litigation…

Cut 6 (08)  “Attorney General’s office”

The department of health filed its lawsuit on September 27th claiming drug manufacturers intentionally flooded Louisiana with highly addictive and dangerous opioids. Landry says his office was also working on its own lawsuit…

Cut 7 (09) “I’ll say”

The AG won a legal battle this week over the governor’s office on an executive order dealing with discrimination of LGBT state workers. Landry is confident a state judge will rule that his office can supersede the L-D-H opioid lawsuit and he plans to expand it once he takes control…

Cut 8 (08) “particular issue”

Edwards’ executive counsel, Matthew Block, says the governor wants to collaborate on the lawsuit.

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A poll from Morning Consult finds in his second year in office, Governor John Bel Edwards has an approval rating of 53-percent. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says any time a governor has an approval of over 50-percent that’s good news. He says Edwards has received high marks when it comes to dealing with the high number of natural disasters Louisiana has recently seen.

Cut 9 (09)  “other states” 

Edwards has a 32-percent disapproval rating. But Hogan says that doesn’t mean Edwards is in the clear just yet. He says there are some big things the governor has to confront in the coming months.

Cut 10 (07) “is facing”

Hogan says Edwards is a Democrat in a state dominated by Republicans. He says the governor has been able to stay away from disputes that separate the two parties.

Cut 11 (10) “approval rating”

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GOP leaders on Capitol Hill unveiled today the key details in a new tax plan. The proposal lowers the number of tax brackets from seven to four, and increases the standard deductions. Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins says this is major reform which is pro citizen and pro economic growth…:

Cut 12 (07) “virtually doubled”

Some democrats have already criticized the plan saying it would only benefit the wealthy, and that the middle class wouldn’t even be getting that big of a break. Higgins says that is wrong…:

Cut 13 (11)  “my pocket”

Higgins says for the first time in a long time the US has seen more than three percent growth in the economy over the past two quarters. He says that’s just with the thought of passing major tax reform, but now Americans have a promise from Congress in their hand…:

Cut 14 (12)  “and not penalized”

Monroe-based CenturyLink’s 24-billion-dollar acquisition of Level 3 Communications has been completed, making it the state’s largest public company.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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Open enrollment for health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act begins today and runs until December 15^th. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The 24-billion-dollar acquisition of Level 3 Communications by Monroe based CenturyLink is now complete, expanding the largest public trading company in Louisiana to more than 350 metropolitan areas.   CenturyLink Spokesperson Ann Marie Sartor says the merger allows them to continue leading the telecommunications industry…

Cut 3 (09) “technology solutions.”

Sartor says besides expansion in the U.S., CenturyLink will be able to focus on overseas operations as a result of the merger with the added assets and manpower the former Level 3 Communications is able to provide…

Cut 4  (06) “for us.” 

Sartor says even though they are growing, CenturyLink will still keep their focus on their number one asset, their customers…

Cut 5  (06)  “for communications.”

CenturyLink is committed to Louisiana.  They have a state contract that keeps their headquarters in Monroe through at least 2020.

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Open enrollment for health insurance policies through the Affordable Care Act begins today and runs until December 15^th. Over 122-thousand Louisianans are covered through the online marketplace. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says most policy holders will see a double digit increase in premiums.

Cut 6 (11)  “last year”

In 2017, 86-percent of Marketplace enrollees in Louisiana received a subsidy. Donelon credits an average 18.5 increase in premiums to the uncertainty surrounding the Affordable Care Act.

Cut 7 (11) “its passage”

In Louisiana, the only insurers offering the Affordable Care Act health plans are Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana and Vantage Health Plan. Donelon offers some tips for those interested in purchasing or renewing their plans.

Cut 8 (11) “expenses”

Visit healthcare.gov to search policies.

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On the day Louisiana is releasing 19-hundred non-violent offenders, a state audit finds the Department of Corrections is not able to track offenders or know their exact release date.  They found 11 percent of offenders were at another facility other than what was reported in their computer system.  Another 19 percent had at least one error in their record.  Auditor Kristen Jacobs says the DOC does not have hard and fast policies which lead to improper reporting by local facilities…

Cut 9 (06)  “next month.” 

In several cases, the audit found that the DOC did not have proper methods in place to calculate correct prisoner release dates.  Jacobs says the DOC tried to plug up the holes in the records system.  They spent 3.6-million-dollars a few years ago on a computer data system that was quickly abandoned…

Cut 10 (07) “and testing.”

The DOC has been notified of their findings and Jacobs says they are willing to work on streamlining very complex procedures…

Cut 11 (12) “very complicated.”

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When it comes to popularity in Congress, both of Louisiana’s US Senators rank right about in the middle, according to a new Morning Consult poll. US Senator John Kennedy is ranked 39th out of 100 Senators, and Senator Bill Cassidy was number 62. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says the approval numbers are essentially the same, however..:

Cut 12 (11) “Affordable Care Act”

Cassidy received a 47% approval rating, while Kennedy had 50%. Cassidy is about three years away from re-election, and Stockley feels the Baton Rouge Senator is still more popular than he is unpopular…:

Cut 13 (10)  “Republican state”

Vermont US Senator Bernie Sanders was ranked the most popular in the poll, which Stockley says isn’t surprising given Sanders cult-like following throughout the entire nation. Stockley says he’s also not surprised that Republican Caucus leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was ranked least popular…:

Cut 14 (10)  “mentions in Tweets”

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The SEC matchup of the year is this Saturday when LSU takes of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Emelie Gunn takes a look at ticket sales on the secondary market…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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19-hundred non-violent offenders will be released starting today as part of approved changes in criminal justice reform.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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A Caldwell Parish teen is in police custody after he allegedly burned down a building that belonged to a historic church in Rayville. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3   (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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The hurricane season ends on November 30, but a named storm has never struck Louisiana in November in 167 years of record keeping.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says the state came close to breaking that streak in 2009 when Tropical Storm Ida churned in the Gulf…

Cut 4  (08) “was spared.”

This hurricane season has not been quiet.  Keim says it ranks high on the list with the second most major hurricanes in a season with one month to go…

Cut 5  (06)  “major hurricanes.”

Louisiana prior to this year was spared hurricane or tropical storm landfalls for four seasons.  Keim says Mother Nature made up for it this year…

Cut 6 (09) “early October.”

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LSU takes on the Alabama Crimson Tide this Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium and ticket sales are on fire. Cameron Papp with Stub Hub says ticket prices range from 90 dollars to over 500 dollars for a seat to see the highly anticipated match up. He says this is the highest selling Alabama home game this season so far.

Cut 7 (08)  their calenders”

Papp says traditionally tickets sell for a little more when the game is played in Tiger Stadium but these ticket prices match up to what we saw two years ago at Alabama’s last home game against the Tigers. He says the average ticket price is going for about 300 bucks.

Cut 8 (11) “college football”

Papp says there is still plenty of time left for fans to purchase tickets.

Cut 9 (07)  “game time”

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Over 19-hundred prisoners will be released today as part of the state’s criminal justice reform legislation enacted this year. The Edwards Administration says this will lower the highest incarceration rate in the country and produce better outcomes for non-violent offenders.  Winn Parish Sheriff Cranford Jordan (jer-dun) doesn’t see how releasing inmates will lead to better public safety…

Cut 10 (11)  “job properly.”

Jordan says the system is flawed from the start.  He says Louisiana needs to take a cue from Texas and begin rehabilitation before prisoners are released…

Cut 11 (11) “them out.”

Non-violent offenders will be eligible released after serving 35 percent of their sentence under the new law, but they will be still monitored according to Department of Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc…

Cut 12 (11) “control of.”

It is estimated the reform effort will reduce the state’s prison population by ten percent over ten years.  LeBlanc says many parish jail inmates are released without additional education or skills.  He says this reform will help in that regard as programs will be put into place to help released inmates stay out of jail…

Cut 13 (06) “need attention.”

It is estimated the new program will save the state 262-million-dollars over 10 years, with 70-percent of that money to be reinvested into training and prisoner rehabilitation programs.

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A Caldwell Parish juvenile is in custody after allegedly destroying a building that belonged to St. Paul Baptist church in nearby Richland Parish.  Sheriff Gary Gilley says the suspect also stole an Entergy truck before setting fire to the structure…

Cut 14 (12) “Caldwell Parish.”

Authorities say the suspect also damaged several vehicles at Caldwell Parish High School. Gilley says they are still trying to determine why this teen burned down a building belonging to a church that’s been around for 137 years…

Cut 15 (08) “this happended.”

The fire started around 9:30 AM on Tuesday and Gilley says the suspect was taken into custody early that afternoon. He says witnesses told investigators they saw a young white male at the church in an Entergy truck when the blaze started…

Cut 16  (16)  “this time.”

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After a long layoff, UL Lafayette returns to the football field this Saturday when they visit South Alabama. The Cajuns last played on October 19th, when they were blown out by Arkansas State 47-3. Coach Mark Hudspeth says his players are not dwelling on that lopsided loss…

Cut 17 (23)  “from us”

Also in the Sun Belt this Saturday, ULM hosts Appalachian State. The Mountaineers are 4-0 in league play and Warhawks Coach Matt Viator says they have one of the top defenses in the Sun Belt…

Cut 18 (06) “excited about it” 

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LSU will bring a three-game winning streak into Saturday’s SEC showdown with top ranked Alabama. Crimson Tide Head Coach Nick Saban says the Tigers are the best team they’ve seen this year and their season turned around after losing to Troy…

Cut 19 (20) right now“

Saban says his players need to be ready for a physical game on Saturday…

cut 20 (19)  “understand that” 

The suspect in the high profile Grambling State University double murder has hired a defense team to argue his innocence. Michelle Southern reports:

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The police chief in Shreveport is on paid administrative leave after he fired his gun at an armed robbery suspect. Emelie Gunn has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A woman was arrested after allegedly using pepper spray one several people inside a Chuck E Cheeses restaurant in Metarie.  Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesman Lt. Jason Rivarde says they were called to the scene and arrested Katarian Marshall of New Orleans after an apparent argument…

Cut 3 (07) “the woman.”

Rivarde says Marshall hit children and adults with the pepper spray.  Five adults and two children were treated at the scene…

Cut 4  (06) “by paramedics.” 

Marshall is charged with disturbing the peace by fighting.  She was released on a 250-dollar bond.

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Baton Rouge Police are investigating a crash off Airline Highway, which left two people dead including a toddler. Sgt. Don Coppola says witnesses told detectives they saw the driver of a 2009 Mustang driving erratically and crossing over the median multiple times before hitting an 18-wheeler head on.

Cut 5  (11)  “his injuries”

A 19-year-old male was a passenger in the vehicle and was transported to the hospital with moderate injuries. Coppola says the driver was identified as 23-year-old Wallacea Swazer of Baton Rouge and two year-old Carter Northern.

Cut 6 (06)  “the crash”

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The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office says two men, one of them armed with a handgun, stopped a school bus because they felt the bus driver was speeding. Lt. Col. Ward Webb says the bus was traveling down the road with students on board yesterday afternoon when 58-year-old Clifton Hamby and 60-year-old Kerry LaSaicherre(Les-sha-share) refused to let the driver pass.

Cut 7 (10) “with speeding”

Webb says after producing a copy of the ordnance, an altercation apparently ensued and the bus driver drove away and called police. He says it’s always the best to call police if faced with a similar matter.

Cut 8 (11) “the peace”

Webb says one of the men was opening carrying a handgun on his waist when the incident occurred.

Cut 9 (10)     “is legal” 

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The suspect in the high profile Grambling State University double murder has hired a defense team to argue his innocence. Attorneys Ronald Haley and Dedrick (Deed-Rick) Moore would not reveal 19-year-old Jaylin Wayne’s side of the story, but said the focus should switch to the environment at Grambling. Moore says there is a culture of gun violence on campus:

Cut 10 (08) “continue to take place”

Cops had said the incident in which Earl Andrews, another GSU student, and Monquiarious Caldwell were killed, was the result of a personal fued and isolated. Haley says there was yet another shooting on campus just this past weekend, and they feel more light should be shed on a bigger problem at Grambling. He says school officials aren’t saying everything…:

Cut 11 (11) “3.6 GPA”

Wayne was arrested on first-degree murder charges. GSU President Rick Gallot said it became clear early on that this was not some random act of violence…:

Cut 12 (07) “who knew one another”

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State Police is reminding those out of the street for trick or treating or attending Halloween parties that this holiday is more dangerous for drunk driving than New Years. Trooper Melissa Matey says last New Year’s Eve there was 7 deaths in Louisiana and five were alcohol related.

Cut 13 (09)  “to alcohol”

The U.S. Department of Transportation says deaths from impaired driving make up half the all traffic fatalities between 2011 and 2015 on Halloween. Matey encourages people to make smart decisions before heading out to parties tonight.

Cut 14 (10)   to drink”

A report from the Centers for Disease Control finds children are four times more likely to be hit by a vehicle on Halloween than any other night of the year. Matey also adds it’s illegal for sex offenders to participate in any Halloween events where children may be present. She says L-S-P will be out in full force tonight.

Cut 15 (09) “the wheel”

Governor John Bel Edwards is in Puerto Rico to help with Hurricane Maria recovery efforts. Don Molino has more.

Cut 1 (26) “I’m Don Molino”

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New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson is doing “very well” after being hospitalized overnight. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is in Puerto Rico today along with leaders of the Louisiana National Guard and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness to observe and give support to the island nation as it recovers from Hurricane Maria.  The governor’s spokesperson Shauna Sanford says Louisiana understands the immense recovery effort Puerto Rico is undergoing…

Cut 3 (10) “leading in.”

Shortly after the storm, Louisiana launched a donation drive for Puerto Rico and Sanford says the state has sent approximately 100 pallets worth of essential items from diapers to non-perishable formula to help in the recovery efforts…

Cut 4  (09) “those goods.” 

Sanford says the governor is wanting to provide insight for Puerto Rico’s leaders to help make their recovery quick and efficient…

Cut 5  (09)  “recovery effort.”

The governor will return to Louisiana Tuesday.

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Two out of state residents were killed in an overnight crash involving four 18-wheelers on Interstate 10 in West Baton Rouge Parish. State Police Trooper Bryan Lee says there was congestion on I-10 Eastbound between Gross Tete and the Lobdell exit from a previous wreck, when an 18-wheeler didn’t notice other vehicles had slowed down

Cut 6 (09)  “their injuries”

The wreck led to the closure of I-10 Eastbound near the Mississippi River Bridge. Lee says the pile-up could have been avoided if the now deceased driver saw that traffic was coming to a stop…

Cut 7 (06) “of them”

Lee says the fatal wreck occurred at two o’clock this morning. He says the traffic was heavy at that time, because a car went off the road…

Cut 8 (07) “caused congestion”

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An investigative audit accuses three former cashiers at Grambling State University improperly added over 164-thousand-dollars to G-Flex accounts that were used by 35 students and two of the former cashiers. State Auditor, Roger Harris says the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office was notified by the school in February once they discovered a problem…

Cut 9 (10)     “of money” 

Such a use of public money for personal benefit may violate both state and federal laws. The G-Flex accounts can be used to buy text books, meals and snacks.  Harris says even though the money has been paid back through Grambling’s general fund, the school wants to recover those funds…

Cut 10 (10) “wrong doing.”

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Former LSU star Alex Bregman is receiving a lot of praise for his base hit to score the winning run in a crazy 13-12 win for the Astros over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5 of the World series. During the game, Houston trailed by four runs and then three runs, but kept battling back. Bregman on his team’s fight…

Cut 11 (10) “champions” 

Houston can win its first World Series in franchise history tomorrow night in L-A. Bregman has delivered several big hits and has made some terrific plays in the field during the postseason. His manager, A-J Hinch, is not surprised the 23-year-old is coming up big…

Cut 12 (11) “biggest moments”

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The big game of the year has arrived,  as 19th ranked LSU visits top ranked Alabama this Saturday. The Bayou Bengals are looking for their first win over the Crimson Tide since 2011, but Bama is a three touchdown favorite. LSU Coach Ed Orgeron spoke today about the key to beating the defending SEC champs…

Cut 13 (08)  “very tough”

Alabama got after LSU Quarterback Danny Etling last season. He was sacked five times and threw for just 92 yards. Etling was also intercepted once. Orgeron on what he wants to see from his senior signal caller…

Cut 14 (10)   protect him”

Orgeron says this game will come down to whoever executes the best….

Cut 15 (11) “game goes”

State Fire Marshal Butch Browning reminds the public to watch out for potential fire hazards while dressing up and decorating for Halloween. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Hundreds of non-violent inmates at parish jails are set to be released later this week as part of the state’s criminal justice reform effort. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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There is a new material being developed in Louisiana that can keep homes drier when flooded.

Cut 3   (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”  

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Halloween is a time for celebration, but State Fire Marshal Butch Browning reminds the public some costumes and decorations are highly flammable. Browning says costumes should have a fire retardant coating, so they don’t easily burn. He also says nearly half of all home fires during Halloween are a result of decorations too close to a heat source.

Cut 4  (11) “your home “

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there are over 10-thousand fires in American each year in the days leading up to and following Halloween. Browning says when cooking outside, make sure to keep grills and fire pits away from the home and wooden decks.

Cut 5  (08)  “messages”

Browning says fire around Halloween results in about 25 deaths and 125 injuries. He says jack-o-lanterns, paper spiders and dried cornstalks are very common decorations but are highly flammable.

Cut 6 (10) “be controlled”

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Changes have been made to Mega Millions. It will result in larger multi-state jackpot prizes, but the price of a ticket has increased from one to two dollars. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kimberly Chopin says the higher ticket price will mean the starting jackpot starts at 40 million, instead of 15 million dollars.  Chopin says the odds of winning of the jackpot will increase, but other enhancements to the game will lead to more winners for the smaller prizes.

Cut 7 (05)  “more millionaires”

Chopin says they anticipate the average jackpot to be 371-million dollars…

Cut 8 (11) “jackpots”

Chopin says the first drawing for the revised Mega Millions game is tomorrow night. She says they know larger jackpots will lead to more players for Mega Millions.

Cut 9 (07)  “similar”

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Prison reform measures go into effect Wednesday when some 14-hundred non-violent offenders will be released as a result of changes to the state’s sentencing laws.  It’s an effort led by Governor John Bel Edwards to lower the state’s incarceration rate which is considered the highest in the world.  State Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc says most of these prisoners set free this week were nearing their release…

Cut 10 (07)  “get out.”

Caddo Parrish Sheriff Steve Prator was critical of the reform effort.  Prator said he learned of one man that was arrested 52 times under 34 different names would be released this week.  LeBlanc says Prator was using bad information and the sheriff has realized his error…

Cut 11 (07) “justice reform.”

Lowering the incarceration rate is estimated to save the state 262-million-dollars over ten years, most of the savings will go towards rehabilitation programs…

Cut 12 (06) “these guys.”

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Whether we like it or not, flooding is a disaster that happens in Louisiana.   An LSU AgCenter building science instructor has found an effective way to repair flooded homes at a quicker pace.  Bill Robinson calls it wet-proofing by using glass faced drywall.  He says it’s easy to dry out these walls if they get damaged…

Cut 13 (10) “it’s done.”

There are some downsides.  The first question that comes up is the cost.  There is about a 25 percent increase in construction costs, but Robinson says the long term benefits are worth it…

Cut 14 (07) “me later.”

The paperless drywall is being used as an experiment at Louisiana House on LSU’s campus and is also being installed in the Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans 12 years after Hurricane Katrina.  He says he is finding those homeowners are willing to upgrade to his method once they see the benefits…

Cut 15 (11) “do it.”

Robinson has posted some of his instructional videos on You Tube and hopes to further his findings by meeting with West Monroe officials this week.

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The Saints are on a five game winning streak after beating the Chicago Bears 20-12. New Orleans did a lot of things well, the defense gave up just one touchdown, quarterback Drew Brees threw for 299 yards, Will Lutz kicked two field goals and running back Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara each had rushing touchdowns. But Ingram also fumbled twice in the 4th quarter, which almost led to a come from behind win for the Bears…

Cut 16  (19)  “my coaches”

Brees it’s encouraging the Saints are winning football games, even though they have yet to play their best football…

Cut 17 (11)  “come together”

The Saints are now 5-2 and host 2-5 Tampa Bay this Sunday. New Orleans is in first place in the NFC South a half-a-game ahead of Carolina. Brees says they have to keep their foot on the gas, because they have lofty goals to accomplish this season…

Cut 18 (22) “on that ” 

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Louisiana Tech snapped a two-game losing streak by beating Rice 42-28. The game was tied at 28 late in the fourth quarter, but the Bulldogs mounted a 11-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a two-yard touchdown run by Boston Scott. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz…

Cut 19 (11) finished the game“

Quarterback J’Mar Smith bounced back from a bad performance in a loss to Southern Miss. Smith threw for 237 yards and a touchdown and also big-time nine-yard run on the game winning drive. Holtz on the play of signal caller…

cut 20 (23)  “successful quarterback” 

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”

______________________________________

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.

____________________________________________

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”