Norwegian Cruise Line has announced it’s sending Norwegian Breakaway to sail from New Orleans beginning November 2018. Michael Farrar reports..:

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

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Police records indicate the LSU fraternity pledge who died last month may have consumed an excessive amount of alcohol as a result of a drinking game. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Southeastern has new scholarships to attract high achieving students. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Norwegian Cruise Line has announced it’s sending the Norwegian Breakaway to sail from New Orleans beginning November 2018. This will be the largest cruise vessel ever to sail out of The Big Easy. Port of New Orleans spokesperson Donnell Jackson says this ship is over 1,000 feet and will hold about 4,000 passengers..:

Cut 4  (10) “from The Big Easy”

The ship will undergo a two-week dry dock in spring 2018 with standard upgrades to public spaces and staterooms such as new flooring and furniture. Jackson says the Norwegian Breakaway will delight cruisers of all ages…:

Cut 5  (09)  “as well as an aqua park”

Jackson says the Norwegian Breakaway will sail seven, ten and 11 day seasonal cruises…:

Cut 6 (13) “Belize”

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Louisiana is set to receive 55-million dollars in federal grant money to improve the reading and writing skills of struggling students. State department of education spokesperson Sydni Dunn says the state will receive 18.5 million dollars each year for the next three years and they already know how the money will be allocated

Cut 7 (08)  “their proposed plans”

State Superintendent John White says only 36-percent of Louisiana children are able to read and write on grade level by fourth grade. Dunn says this grant will accelerate the learning of all students reading below grade level

Cut 8 (08) “practices”

Dunn says Louisiana is one of 11 states selected to benefit from the federal grand and the only state to receive it three consecutive times

Cut 9 (11)  “our effort”

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Southeastern Louisiana University has new scholarships available to attract high achieving students. Senior Director of University Marketing Mike Rivault says SLU has always been ranked highly in terms of graduating students with low debt. He says they created this scholarship to applaud students who performed well in high school and will continue that in college.

Cut 10 (11)  “covered”

Rivault says in state students can also receive TOPS on top of this scholarship. He says eligible students can receive this scholarship if they apply before January 15^th, 2018.

Cut 11 (10) “otherwise have”

Students with an ACT score of 30 or higher could receive the highest scholarship amount, which is 7-thousand dollars. Rivault says earlier this year, Southeastern launched the Promise program which locked tuition rates at the same cost if the student promises to graduate in four years. He says this new scholarship along with Southeastern Promise gives students a great education at a great value.

Cut 12 (11) “to you”

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The National Hurricane Center is watching an area of low pressure in the southwestern Caribbean Sea, which has a medium chance of developing into a tropical depression as it moves toward the Gulf of Mexico. Senior hurricane specialist Stacy Stewart says the disturbed weather will move north past Nicaragua and Honduras

Cut 13 (12) “by Friday”

Stewart says this system could move into the Gulf of Mexico by the weekend….

Cut 14 (12) “week or so”

Stewart says sea surface temperatures are still warm, which can help develop this system in a named storm. But he says atmospheric winds can hinder growth….

Cut 15 (10) “the atmosphere”

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Injured LSU players are starting to come back to the field. Running back Derrius Guice, right tackle Toby Weathersby, H-back J-D Moore and nose tackle Ed Alexander could return this Saturday when the Tigers visit Florida. Starting defensive end Rashard Lawrence says he’s playing….

Cut 16  (11)  “on always”

Lawrence is considered one of LSU’s best defensive linemen, but he’s missed three of the last four games because of ankle injuries. The Tigers have lost two of those games and in both games they were beaten badly at the line of scrimmage. Lawrence is anxious to get back on the field, especially against Florida, who won in Tiger Stadium last year….

Cut 17 (12)  “disrespected yes” 

Head Coach Ed Orgeron says he plans on playing starting quarterback Danny Etling all four quarters. But Etling says he will not change his preparation

Cut 18 (15) “coached to do” 

Orgeron also says he’s staying out of the offense, after asking offensive coordinator Matt Canada to simply the offense. It didn’t work against Troy, so expect to more shifts and motion this Saturday. Starting Center Will Clapp likes what Canada is trying to do….

Cut 19 (10) they should do “

A Houma couple was attending the Route 91 Harvest music festival when their night of fun turned into terror. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Saints Coach Sean Payton says it’s obvious the US needs common sense gun control after the horrific mass shooting in Las Vegas. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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What Houma natives Holly and Tracy Pitre thought would be an evening of dancing and fun at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas turned into a night of terror. Holly Pitre says she was hit with an intuition that Las Vegas could be a target for a terror attack during the concert. So as Jason Alden’s show started they decide to back away from the stage and that’s when gunshots started ringing out…

Cut 3 (10) “going wild”

Holly Pitre says they were the lucky ones who happened to be at the right place at the right time to avoid being killed or injured.

Cut 4  (12) “our life” 

Tracy Pitre had never been to Las Vegas before. Pitre says he’s thankful he and his wife weren’t drinking at the concert because it took a clear mind to get out of a situation like that. He says the gunshots were echoing in the buildings.

Cut 5  (10)  “wouldn’t end”

The Pitre’s were able to safely get back to their hotel, the Luxor, hours later.

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State Climatologist Barry Keim says forecasters are keeping an eye on a broad area of low pressure down near the Yucatan peninsula, as the National Hurricane Center gives it a 30% chance of developing into a tropical cyclone…:

Cut 6 (07)  “should be”

Keim says there is also another wave that’s moving into Florida right now from the east, and heading toward the Gulf of Mexico. But he says there is a zero percent change this system will develop over the next five days…:

Cut 7 (09)   “tropical activity” 

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A Mississippi man, who told authorities he was on his way to see a voodoo doctor, has been arrested after crashing through a fence at the Slidell Municipal Airport. Detective Daniel Seuzeneau with the Slidell Police Department says police received a call yesterday morning of a vehicle that ran into a utility pole. He says when authorities arrived 43-year-old Kevin Bolton told them he thought he was being chased by police.

Cut 8 (10) “Slidell”

Seuzeneau says Bolton has been charged with careless operation and hit and run. He says when they found Bolton, he was barely clothed.

Cut 9 (11)  “of work”

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Saints Coach Sean Payton says current gun laws are flawed and frustrating as he spoke about gun control in light of the massacre that occurred in Las Vegas during a country music concert. In a conference call with beat reporters, Payton says the current system in our country right now is not working…:

Cut 10 (10) “better that way”

Payton says he made these same statements after the shooting of former Saints player Will Smith, who was tragically killed in a road rage incident. He says it seems like incidents like this keep coming up over and over, and it’s not good when you draw parallels with other countries..:

Cut 11 (08) “and it’s obvious”

Payton says if people don’t like his position for common sense gun control, that’s tough. He says you can either quietly sit and do nothing, or speak up about what he calls a clear problem in our country…:

Cut 12 (06) “it’s madness” 

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State Police are investigating an officer involved shooting in West Monroe that left one person dead yesterday afternoon. Trooper Michael Reichardt says a Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s deputy made a vehicle stop on Guyton Road…

Cut 13 (06)  “fatal injuries”

Reichardt says no one else was injured during this incident. He says they are working to determine what happened leading up to the fatal shooting.

Cut 14 (09) “their job”

(The arrest affidavit says the driver pulled a gun from his waistband and one of two deputies fired his weapon, killing the driver.

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LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says many voters don’t know there is a state treasurer race coming up this month, and even fewer care. Michael Farrar reports..:

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

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Ascension Parish Sheriff Jeff Wiley is reassuring those attending Flambeau Fest that it will be a safe weekend. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A Baton Rouge business owner tells the story of her horrifying experience when a gunman opened fired on a country concert in Las Vegas. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Early voting for the October 14th election is underway, and most people still don’t know about the race for state treasurer. That’s according to LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford who says even donors aren’t writing checks the way the normally do. He says that’s partly because wealthy leaders and activists have just been through an active three year election cycle…:

Cut 4  (09) “on TV”

Alford says since the state treasurer candidates don’t have very big war chests, they are limited in what they can spend on exposure which leads to lack of voter engagement. He also says those in the running aren’t actually talking about the job, because it’s boring…:

Cut 5  (09)  “the race for treasurer”

Secretary of State Tom Schedler predicts turnout for this race will be below 20%. Alford also doesn’t see interest in this election spiking during the runoff. He says voters might start seeing some more commercials from the candidates now until election day…:

Cut 6 (07) “voters’ attention”

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This weekend’s Flambeau Music Festival takes place in Ascension Parish and authorities are assuring ticketholders that safety will be of the utmost importance after Sunday night’s attack at the Route 91 Harvest Country Music Festival in Las Vegas. Sheriff Jeff Wiley says preparation is the best plan for a safe and enjoyable concert.

Cut 7 (10)  “somewhere else”

Wiley says it is their responsibility to move forward and reassure that the concert at Lamar Dixon Center in Gonzales will be a safe place. He hopes no one decides not to attend given what happened in Las Vegas.

Cut 8 (12) “Lamar Dixon”

Wiley says recently, Ascension Parish hosted the balloon festival and is up to the task of protecting concertgoers. He says security will be widespread and obvious.

Cut 9 (07)  “or two”

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The three candidates for the south Louisiana Public Service Commissioner seat faced off at a forum at the Baton Rouge Press Club. Dr. Craig Greene, an orthopedic surgeon from Maringouin, has never held political office and is running for the position. He says his goal is to represent the ratepayer and provide reliability and affordably to customers.

Cut 10 (11)  “every year”

Former state Representative from Houma Lenar Whitney proudly stated at the forum that she is the most conservative in the race. Whiney says there is a serious need for good conservative rulings and legislation. She says Louisiana needs to keep its low rates.

Cut 11 (11) “enterprise”

Interim Public Service Commissioner Damon Baldone of Houma says he is the candidate most committed to the job. Baldone was appointed by the governor four months ago and is ready to continue his service as an elected official.

Cut 12 (11) “this term”

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A Baton Rouge business owner was in a shuttle near the Mandalay Bay Hotel as 64-year-old Stephen Paddock opened fire on a country music concert. Allie Wester, owner of Weddings by Allie, says she’s in town for a wedding planning conference and was Snapchatting when all of a sudden her shuttle driver started driving at a high rate of speed.

Cut 13 (10) “Paris Hotel”

Wester says at the time she didn’t realize how serious this situation was. She says once she and her friend got settled at their hotel, they walked outside to hundreds of people running down the street screaming active shooter. She says they ended up separated so she followed employees to the staff parking lot to take cover.

Cut 14 (11) “your rooms”

Wester says she was not able to return into her hotel room until after 5 am. She says when she saw people running down the street, she saw the fear of God in their eyes.

Cut 15 (10) “of me”

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There are many problems with the LSU football team, but a recurring issue for the last several years has been the lack of consistent production from the offense. Head Coach Ed Orgeron asked offensive coordinator Matt Canada to simplify the offense before the upset loss to Troy, now Coach “O” says he’s backing away

Cut 16  (20)  “clean up”

Tiger nation is frustrated over the Tigers 3-2 start and some already calling for the firing of Ed Orgeron. Coach “O” says he’s unaware that the fan base has put him on the hot seat…

Cut 17 (20)  “my control” 

Defensive end Christian LaCouture says it’s disrespect and absurd for fans to say Orgeron should be fired after just five games

Cut 18 (15) “it’s us” 

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After a bye week, the Ragin Cajuns get back to work as they’ll face Idaho for a four PM kick-off. UL-Lafayette started its season with a win over Southeastern Louisiana, but they’ve lost three straight, including a double-overtime defeat in their last game against ULM. Coach Mark Hudspeth says the bye week came at a good time…

Cut 19 (20)  to Idaho “

In 2014, the Cajuns started 1-3, but finished with nine victories, including a bowl win versus Nevada. Hudspeth is hoping for the same kind of turn around…

cut 20 (18)  “can happen” 

Governor John Bel Edwards orders all American and Louisiana flags to fly half staff as a result of the tragic mass shooting in Las Vegas. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m jeff Palermo”

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Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says it doesn’t look like there is much hope for LSU football this season. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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One person is dead and another person was seriously wounded in a shooting that took place on I-20 in Shreveport just after midnight. Shreveport P-D Corporal Angie Willhite says when officers arrived, they spotted a green SUV stopped on the inside wall…

Cut 3 (07) “once”

The passenger of the SUV was killed. He has not been identified. The driver, 22-year-old Kenyon Frazier, was shot multiple times and doctors say he has life-threatening injuries. Willhite says it is believed they were shot by a person with a rifle…

Cut 4  (08) “beside them” 

Willhite says detectives don’t know if Frazier’s vehicle was targeted or if this was a random shooting…

Cut 5  (04)  “the investigation”

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Lafayette Police Corporal Michael Middlebrook is dead following an exchange of gunfire at the Big Boy Discount Zone convenience store. State Police Trooper Brooks David says the Lafayette Police Department was dispatched shortly after 10 PM last night in reference to an aggravated assault with a gun. David says minutes later the call was upgraded to a shooting…

Cut 6 (10)  “by Lafayette PD”

David says 28-year-old Ian Paul Howard of Lafayette is the suspected shooter and charged with one count of first degree murder of a police officer, along with other charges. David says two people inside the store were also shot and sustained non-life threatening injuries…

Cut 7 (05)   still fluid” 

A suspect fled the scene on foot, but was apprehended a short time later by Lafayette police. Middlebrook was a native of Thibodaux and a nine-year veteran of the Lafayette Police Department. He leaves behind a wife, a three-year-old daughter, two stepdaughters and his parents. David says this is a tragic situation…

Cut 8 (10) “their families “

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This LSU football season is not turning out the way anyone had hoped, and Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says fans have every right to be upset. He says the 24-21 non-conference loss to Troy on The Bayou Bengals turf Homecoming night is historic for the program…:

Cut 9 (08)  “against UAB”

Worsham says evidence suggests that there is not much hope for this season, especially with four SEC road games to go, but it’s college football and anything can happen. He says it doesn’t seem like there is a lot of urgency on either side of the ball, and this does not look like an LSU football team..:

Cut 10 (10) “a lot of enthusiasm”

A “Save LSU Football” GoFundMe campaign has been set up to buy out Coach Ed Orgeron and Athletic Director Joe Alleva. Worsham says getting rid of Coach O would cost the program $12 million dollars, they’re still paying Les Miles $9 million dollars — and former men’s basketball coach Johnny Jones and some of his assistants are also still getting buyout money…:

Cut 11 (11) “any donors happy”

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The FBI says the man who is accused of killing 58 and injuring over 500 concertgoers in Las Vegas had no connection to an international terrorist group. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but former FBI agent and current Tulane Professor Jim Bernanzini says ISIL is using the massing shooting as a propaganda tool…

Cut 12 (10) “later on” 

The alleged shooter has been identified as 64-year-old Stephen Paddock, who lived in a retirement community near the Nevada-Arizona border. Bernanzini says based on what he can tell, Paddock was not connected to any international terrorist group

Cut 13 (12)  “at a concert”

Bernanzini says the FBI will spend the next couple of days trying to learn all they can about the alleged gunmen. He says they’ll want to know who he spoke with recently and how he was able to get numerous firearms to his room on 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay casino, without the hotel staff noticing suspicious activity

Cut 14 (12) “do it”

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An active 2017 Atlantic hurricane season has two months left. Michael Farrar looks at what we can expect…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

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Five games into his first season as head coach, Ed Orgeron is on the hot seat after stunning loss to the Troy Trojans. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The LSU freshman class of 2018 will be required to live on campus for their first year of school. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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We’re coming towards the end of the Atlantic hurricane season but that doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods just yet. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Louisiana has seen some notable hurricanes in the month of October. He says Hurricane Juan hit our coast in 1985 from October 28^th to the 31^st…

Cut 4  (09) “in Louisiana”

Keim says so far, we’ve had 14 named storms and the Colorado State Forecast Team predicts 16 this season. He says the season technically ends November 30^th.

Cut 5  (11)  “of normal”

Keim says Louisiana tends to see less storms in October than Decemeber, because water temperatures cool and most storms track towards the eastern seaboard.

Cut 6 (08) “east”

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An LSU political science professor finds that proactive policing may be counter-productive as a deterrent to major crime. Christopher Sullivan studied a specific seven-week period when the New York Police Department halted aggressive policing against minor crimes and the data shows serious criminal activity dropped…

Cut 7 (06)  “significantly”

The public complaints of major crime declined by three to six percent during the halt on proactive policing. Sullivan says it’s possible aggressive policing, which usually targets low-income or minority individuals, may be counter-productive in deterring major crime…

Cut 8 (07) “obey the law”

Sullivan says further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of a reduction in proactive policing. But he says one theory is that when you arrest individuals on low-level crimes it could leads to greater mental and financial stress and therefore raising the likelihood a more serious crime may occur…

Cut 9 (10)  “as is”

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LSU’s homecoming celebration was ruined by Troy University, who came into Baton Rouge and upset the once mighty Tigers 24-21. The Trojans took control of the game with a turnover on the first offensive play and then a quick touchdown. At one point, Troy had a 17 point lead. Linebacker Devin White says it wasn’t fun to see Troy celebrate a victory on their home field..

Cut 10 (12)  “smaller school”

The loss drops LSU’s record to 3-2 and has many fans wondering if this team will be able to qualify for a bowl game. Quarterback Danny Etling says he’s not ready to give up….

Cut 11 (07) “make a change”

The heat is on head coach Ed Orgeron to get this turned around after two bad losses to Mississippi State and Troy. Wide receiver DJ Chark says blame the players…

Cut 12 (12) “players issue”

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Starting with the freshman class in the fall of 2018, first year LSU students are required to live on campus. Assistant Vice President for Residential Life Steve Waller says they’ve been working towards this goal for a few years because research shows students who live in a dorm their first year of college perform better in school.

Cut 13 (07) “this direction”

Waller says many dormitory construction projects are expected to be completed by next fall so there are enough beds to accommodate the increase in freshmen staying on campus. He says there are some exemptions so not all freshmen will have to live in an on campus dorm.

Cut 14 (10) “dependent children”

Students 21 years or older or have medical needs can also be exempt. Waller says it’s time LSU gave freshmen the housing capacity to live on campus.

Cut 15 (10) “the game”

To register for housing or request an exemption visit the on-campus housing portion of the mylsu website.

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After starting the season with back-to-back losses, the Saints have put together two consecutive victories. New Orleans dominated the Dolphins 20-0 at London’s Wembley Stadium on Sunday and head into the bye week with a two-and-two record. Coach Sean Payton on getting back to the five-hundred mark….

Cut 16  (20)  “clean up”

Miami only had 185 yards of offense. It was the Saints first shutout since 2012 and for the fourth consecutive game, New Orleans did not have a turnover. Payton on ball security….

Cut 17 (18)  “I was pleased” 

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ULM is 2-0 in the Sun Belt Conference after beating Coastal Carolina 51-43 on Saturday. Warhawks coach Matt Viator is glad to see his team play well after beating in-state rival UL Lafayette last week…

Cut 18 (14) “same everything” 

ULM is now 2-and-2 on the season and 2-0 in the Sun Belt for the first time since the 2014 season. The Warhawks are Texas State next Saturday. Viator likes how his team is playing…

Cut 19 (10)  playing with “

Louisiana is sending emergency response teams to hurricane ravaged Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m jeff Palermo”

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Rallies are planned in front of the Caddo Parish Courthouse to show support for keeping a Confederate monument up. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is sending over three-hundred Louisiana National Guard soldiers to Puerto Rico to assist the island nation as it deals with catastrophic devastation from Hurricane Maria. Mike Steele, with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says two separate units will spend a month in Puerto Rico

Cut 3 (10) “engineering needs”

Steele says a 163 person Military Police Company is also heading to Puerto Rico to assist with security. Steele says GOHSEP and the Guard are also putting together an 11-person team to help Puerto Rican officials find housing for displaced citizens…

Cut 4  (07) “work out”

Edwards says they also have a small team heading to the Virgin Islands to assist them in their requests for aid as a result of a Hurricane Irma. Steele says the governor is glad the state is able to provide this kind of support…

Cut 5  (07)  “that favor”

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A cold front has moved through the state and it brings us a beautiful weekend. State Climatologist Barry Keim says temperatures will remain warm, but we get a nice break from the humidity.

Cut 6 (07)  “weekend”

Keim says the front has produced very little rainfall and there hasn’t been much precipitation throughout all of September. He says less than one inch of rain has fallen statewide this month.

Cut 7 (10)  “1895“

Keim says typically, September averages a little over four inches of rain. He credits the lack of tropical activity to this abnormally dry month.

Cut 8 (11) “partial explanation “

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Rallies are planned in Shreveport this weekend to show support for keeping a Confederate monument in front of the Caddo Parish Courthouse. Founder of the Gulf Coast Patriot Network  Rex Dukes says they are planning a peaceful demonstration and mean spirited individuals and groups should stay away

Cut 9 (11)  “of life”

Dukes says they have security for the protest in the event something does get violent. He says learning from our history ensures we won’t repeat it and removing monuments will only make things worse.

Cut 10 (09) “allow that”

A public hearing to decide if the monument should be removed is planned for October 5^th. Dukes hopes for a big turnout. He says these rallies are important because Caddo Parish officials are not listening to the people.

Cut 11 (11) “eradicated”

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Former Marksville deputy city marshal Norris Greenhouse Junior accepts a plea deal from the state attorney general’s office that will result in a seven and half prison sentence for the 2015 fatal shooting of six-year-old Jeremy Mardis. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says Greenhouse was facing life in prison on a charge of second-degree murder….

Cut 12 (11) “40 years” 

The shooting occurred at the end of a two mile-pursuit of a vehicle driven by Christopher Few. Authorities say Greenhouse and ex Deputy Marshal Derrick Stafford opened fire on Few’s vehicle, wounding him and killing his son. Stafford received a 40-year sentence on a manslaughter conviction. Meche says the Few family is likely satisified with the plea deal

Cut 13 (12)  “re-enact the trauma”

Formal sentencing is Wednesday. The plea deal calls for Greenhouse to serve five years for negligent homicide and another two-and-half years for malfeasance in office. He must serve at least two years, before he’s eligible for parole. Meche says the lack of national media attention on this police shooting made it easier for both sides to reach a plea deal

Cut 14 (12) “that deal”

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Early voting for the October 14^th election starts tomorrow, but Secretary of State Tom Schedler expects a small turnout. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Three amendments are on the October 14^th ballot wide and PAR President Robert Travis Scott explains what they mean. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A Bossier Parish High School has told student athletes they could be kicked off a team for disrespecting the flag during the national anthem. Michael Farrar has more….

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

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Early voting begins tomorrow for the October 14^th election, but Secretary of State Tom Schedler doesn’t expect a big turnout. Three constitutional amendments, the state treasurer’s race and a few big local elections are on the ballot. However, Schedler says there has not been much publicity.

Cut 4  (10) “engaged”

There is also a vacant Public Service Commissioner seat on the ballot for many voters in south Louisiana, as Scott Angelle left his post to work for President Donald Trump. Schedler says there is a continuing pattern of a loss of interest in smaller elections…

Cut 5  (11)  “the world”

Early voting is from 8:30 am to 6 p.m. and starts Saturday and continues through October 7^th, except on Sunday. Schedler advises voters to use the GeauxVote app to see what is on the ballot and where to vote. He’s expecting an extremely low turnout.

Cut 6 (09) “in that”

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Voters should be aware of three constitutional amendments on the October 14^thballot. Amendment number one establishes a property tax exemption for construction work in progress. President of the Public Affairs Research Council, Robert Travis Scott, says if it passes, that law would be relatively straightforward.

Cut 7 (10)  “process”

Amendment two would give surviving spouses of first responders who died while on duty a property tax exemption. He says an exemption currently exists for surviving spouses of National Guard members, state police, law enforcement or fire firefighters who die in the line of duty. Scott says passage of Amendment two extends the tax break to spouses of volunteer firefighters, emergency medical responders and paramedics.

Cut 8 (10) “the home”

Amendment three would create a construction subfund of the transportation trust fund. Scott says in layman’s terms, that means if the state gas tax is ever raised, any new revenue must go towards road and highway construction projects and nothing else

Cut 9 (11)  “on highways”

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Parkway High School in Bossier Parish has told students that any school athlete that kneels or disrespects the flag during the national anthem could be kicked off the team. Executive Director of the ACLU of Louisiana Marjorie Esman says the laws of our country do not allow the schools to prohibit students from peacefully protesting in this manner.

Cut 10 (10)  “the government”

Parkway is part of the Bossier Parish School System and their superintendent Scott Smith says when a student joins a team, the players and coaches should stand when the national anthem is played to show respect. Esman says the ACLU condemns Bossier Parish’s threats to students’ first amendment rights.

Cut 11 (07) “would hope”

Esman says they haven’t heard of any other school districts prohibiting students from this type of protest. But she says they issued a statement so other schools thinking of taking similar action know what the law is.

Cut 12 (09) “students”

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 The state Department of Transportation’s Motorist Assistance Patrol Program, or MAP program, is headed to Alexandria to help with serious congestion problems in the region. Deidrea Druilhet with DOTD says the goal of introducing the MAP program to this central Louisiana area is to get traffic back to peak capacity by providing free help to drivers.

Cut 13 (06) “dead battery”

Druilhet says the MAP program has proven successful in Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, Shreveport and New Orleans. She says patrols will be out to assist on local highways, not just I-49.

Cut 14 (06) “McArthur”

Druilhet says these trucks are capable of moving stalled vehicles out of traffic lanes onto the shoulder. She says there are multiple ways to contact the program to get a MAP truck out to assist a disabled vehicle.

Cut 15 (09) “on duty”

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After getting a big win last week to start Sun Belt play, ULM looks to make it two in a row as they host Coastal Carolina. Coastal started the year with a 10 point win over UMASS, but they’ve lost their last two. Warhawks Head Coach Matt Viator says the Chanticleers have looked good on offense..

Cut 16  (19)  “they have”

ULM Quarterback Caleb Evans is coming off a great game in which he threw for 348 yards and rushed for 129 yards and five touchdowns. Viator says he’s anxious to see what Evans can do this week…

Cut 17 (20)  “our offense” 

_______________________________________________________________

LSU faces Troy for homecoming tomorrow night. After losing the season opener to Boise State, the Trojans have won three in a row. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says Troy is not a team you can over look…

Cut 18 (11) “play well” 

LSU is coming off an uninspiring victory over Syracuse. Moran says he’ll look for improved play from the offensive line, after they struggled to pass block last week…

Cut 19 (15)  pass rush “

Moran anticipates we’ll see freshman Myles Brennan get some snaps before the fourth quarter, when the outcome of the game is still in doubt…

cut 20 (16)  “Brennan again” 

The state Department of Health has filed suit against several opioid companies a week after multiple Louisiana Sheriff’s Offices. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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House Majority Whip Steve Scalise is back at the Capitol working following a shooting that nearly ended his life. Jeff Palermo has more on the Metairie Congressman’s emotional return…

Cut 2 (32) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A week after multiple Louisiana Sheriff’s Offices filed suit against several opioid manufacturers, the state Department of Health has filed its own lawsuit claiming these drug companies have helped fuel the Bayou State’s severe opioid epidemic. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says this is a very trendy lawsuit now…

Cut 3 (11) “to settle”

Meche says it could be difficult for the suits to stick because the opioids are regulated and approved by the FDA and prescribed by doctors. He says this litigation is similar to lawsuits against gun manufacturers.

Cut 4  (11) “get one”

LDH is seeking damages for the amounts it has already paid for excessive opioid prescriptions and treatment costs as a result of those prescriptions. Meche says it seems like this is more about trial lawyers trying to make money rather than fight the epidemic.

Cut 5  (11)  “file suit”

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House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Metairie is back at the U.S. Capitol for the first time since he was shot on June 14th while practicing for a charity baseball game. Scalise received a thunderous applause when he entered the House chambers and thanked those who helped save his life, including Ohio Representative Brad Wenstrup…

Cut 6 (12)  “blood loss”

Scalise and four others were shot by a gunman, who was killed when U.S. Capitol Police and other officers returned fire. Scalise was struck in the hip and the bullet damaged blood vessels, bones and internal organs. The 51-year-old says while it was an evil act, he was able to see the goodness of people…

Cut 7 (12)  “people are”

Scalise says while recovering and rehabbing he heard from several world leaders who looked at the shooting as an attack on our government. He had this message for his colleagues as he spoke to them for the first time in over three months….

Cut 8 (10) “one of you”

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A UNO poll finds 57-percent of registered Louisiana voters surveyed believe protesting NFL players should be fined or fired, but there is a big difference of opinion among races. Researcher Tony Licciardi says most of the black responders oppose penalizing the protesting players….
cut 9 (11) “….contrast there”

Cut 9 (11)  “contrast there”

Licciardi says the survey also found 49-percent approve of President Donald Trump’s job performance, while 45-percent disapprove. He says there are significant differences in opinion on approval along racial lines…

Cut 10 (12) “other minorities”

Licciardi says President Trump’s approval rating in Louisiana is down from 58-percent on his Election Day victory. He says it is not a surprise that there was such a big racial divide to these answers…

Cut 11 (09) “basis”

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State Police say a 42-year-old motorcyclist was killed after traveling over 100 miles per hour on LA 22 in Tangipahoa Parish. Senior Trooper Dustin Dwight says yesterday afternoon, police received 911 calls reporting a motorcyclist driving recklessly. He says an officer then spotted the vehicle…

Cut 12 (09) “per hour” 

Dwight says after clocking 42-year-old Andrew Alessi of Baton Rouge at 123 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone, authorities received a report of a crash farther west down LA 22.

Cut 13 (09)  “attack yes”

Dwight says Alessi succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital. He says this death was totally preventable.

Cut 14 (09) “the law”

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says he will not support anyone who disrespects the national anthem, including the Saints. Michelle Southern reports…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Governor John Bel Edwards weighs in on the Saints national anthem protests and what impact it has on the subsidies the state provides to the NFL Franchise. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says he will not support anyone who disrespects the national anthem, including the Saints. He’s in Europe right now promoting Louisiana tourism and direct flights to New Orleans, but says he has cancelled plans to attend the Saints game Sunday at Wembley Stadium…:

Cut 3 (09) “and the anthem”

A handful of Saints players did not stand during the national anthem at their last game, and the Tom Benson organization says they have a right to express their feelings. But Nungesser says a demonstration like this is completely disrespectful to this country. He says football players have a following far greater than most people…:

Cut 4  (10) “any American”

Nungesser, who is the former president of Plaquemines Parish, says his entire life he’s worked with family and friends who have lost loved ones in war. He says this includes mothers who have lost sons, and wives who have lost husbands…:

Cut 5  (11)  “great country we live in”

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A 17-year-old has been arrested in connection to the death of an 8-month-old girl in Baton Rouge. Sgt. Don Coppola says over the weekend, authorities responded to a call reporting an unresponsive baby. He says their investigation determined the child was left in the care of the mother’s boyfriend, Vincent Cummings.

Cut 6 (06)  “force trauma “

Coppola says Cummings admitted to police that 8-month-old Katelyn Carter was acting strange so he picked the child up and squeezed her extremely hard.

Cut 7 (11)  “the floor”

Coppola says Cummings is charged with second degree murder and cruelty to a juvenile. He says this is an extremely unfortunate situation.

Cut 8 (08) “really tragic”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says it’s unfortunate to see NFL players not stand for national anthem, but that doesn’t mean the state can end it’s current agreement with the Saints. Edwards appeared this morning on the Newell Normand show on WWL radio….

Cut 9 (06)  “to the Saints”

Edwards also says the players have a First amendment right to protest, but he disagrees with not standing for the national anthem…..

Cut 10 (08) “more successful”

Some lawmakers have called on ending state subsides to the Saints, but Senate President John Alario says that would be just as unAmerican as not standing for the anthem

Cut 11 (12) “a contract”

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The St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office says a man murdered his ex wife this morning with an ax in her front yard. Chief Deputy John Doran says the brutal incident happened as 48-year-old Kimberly Owens left for work at 8:00 this morning:

Cut 12 (10) “surprised her” 

Doran says 56-year-old Mark Owens turned himself in and will be charged with murder. He says two 911 calls came in — one from a neighbor, and the other from the victim’s mother who was also there…:

Cut 13 (09)  “attack yes”

He says the two had been divorced for a couple of years, and the suspect previously arrested on another domestic related incident in 2015.

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Shreveport Police are investigating the death of an 82-year-old woman who was found stabbed to death in her home. Sgt. Marcus Hines says detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit are working to determine who committed this horrific crime. He says the victim, Kathleen Cates’, car had been stolen sometime after her death.

Cut 14 (12) “the country”

Hines says witnesses in the neighborhood report an African American man and woman doing yard work for Cates earlier in the day before she was killed.

Cut 15 (10) “headway”

Hines says it’s beyond tragic to live 82 years and die in this manner. He says whoever did this to Kathleen Cates deserves to be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

Cut 16  (10)  “her life”

Hurricane Harvey hit Texas a month ago which knocked out about 30% of the nation’s refining capacity, but things are slowly recovering. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office says a man has been arrested for allegedly running over and killing his brother with his vehicle early this morning. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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An Oklahoma man has been arrested in Lafayette for allegedly breaking into a woman’s home and sexually assaulting her then demanding she drive him to an ATM. Cpl. Karl Ratcliff with the Lafayette Police Department says they were able to catch 22-year-old Devon Bell after a dispatcher remembered a recent call about a suspicious person in the neighborhood.

Cut 3 (10) “sexual assault”

Bell is charged with home invasion, sexual battery, aggravated kidnapping, and criminal trespassing. Ratcliff says this case is also now considered a kidnapping. He says detectives were able to receive surveillance video showing that Bell was in fact the suspect they were looking for.

Cut 4  (11) “here”

Ratcliff says this was a very scary experience for the victim and she called authorities to report the incident after she was away from Bell and felt safe. He says Bell has only been in the area for a few days and police are not looking for other suspects.

Cut 5  (09)  “relatives here”

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It’s been a month since Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas, knocking out nearly 30% of the nation’s refining capacity, but motorists are now starting to see consistent declines in gas prices. That’s according to Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst at GasBuddy. He says we’re likely about to start seeing the downward momentum accelerate…:

Cut 6 (09)  “these storms “

DeHann says the current statewide average for a gallon of regular in Louisiana stands at $2.35. He says with the switch-over to winter-blend gasoline, consumer demand beginning to slow and Gulf Coast refineries getting back closer to normal, consumers can expect to see much lower prices at the pump next month:

Cut 7 (06)  “today”

Hurricane Irma caused mass evacuations in Florida, which DeHann says further crippled the supply in the US….:

Cut 8 (09) “weeks”

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A councilwoman in Arcadia has been suspended from her position after she was convicted of stealing more than 37-thousand dollars when she was the town water clerk. Louisiana Inspector General Stephen Street says Patricia Hampton was found guilty of theft charges from an investigation sparked by an audit that found discrepancies in the water department’s records.

Cut 9 (08)  “that way”

Street says Hampton was taking payments for water bills and collecting them for her personal use.

Cut 10 (10) “understand that”

Under Louisiana law, Hampton will be required to resign from the Town Council if the felony conviction is upheld. Street says it’s important to have the Inspector General’s and the District Attorney’s offices involved to hold these individuals accountable.

Cut 11 (11) “to steal”

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The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office says a man has been arrested for allegedly running over and killing his brother with his vehicle early this morning. EBRSO spokeswoman Casey Hicks says they were called about 3:40am..:

Cut 12 (08) “his vehicle” 

Hicks says deputies arrived on the scene in a parking lot to find 30-year-old Stephen Hebert half asleep behind the wheel of a truck that was running..:

Cut 13 (08)  “of the vehicle”

Stephen Hebert is charged with negligent homicide and DWI in the death of the victim, 32-year-old Kirk Hebert, because Hicks says he appeared to be very intoxicated and admitted that he and his brother had been drinking. She says beyond that, the suspect didn’t remember much…:

Cut 14 (09) “his vehicle”

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The U.S. Senate will not vote on a measure co-authored by Senator Bill Cassidy to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Cassidy says they don’t have the support, so they have postponed the vote. He says this is extremely disappointing to many American families who pay too much through Obamacare.

Cut 15 (11) “afford”

Cassidy says on a bi-partisan level, lawmakers believe Obamacare isn’t doing well. He says the alternative is Senator Bernie Sanders’ bill which has 15 co-sponsors to create a single payer plan…

Cut 16  (09)  “federal government”