The House Judiciary Committee meets today to discuss ways to improve race relations in Louisiana following the tragic events of this summer. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (26) “I’m Don Molino”

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As flu season approaches, the Louisiana Department of Health reminds everyone to get their flu shot. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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There’s been accusations of illegal strip searches of students at Caldwell Parish High School, and the school superintendent admits the search for a missing $42 went too far. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A state legislative committee meets this morning to discuss on lawsuits against oil and gas companies by five coastal parishes, claiming these companies polluted and destroyed their land. House Natural Resources Chairman Stuart Bishop of Lafayette says there has been a lot of talk about these lawsuits and he wanted to have a public discussion.

cut 4  (10) “these lawsuits””

The parishes filing suit are Jefferson, Plaqumines, St. Bernard, Vermilion and Cameron. But Bishop says there is also those parishes like Terrebonne and Lafourche who oppose the lawsuits and do not want to participate, so what does this mean for them?

Cut 5  (10)  “the parishes”

A state law requires oil and gas companies to maintain and restore land used back to its original condition. Any money gained from a suit would go to restoring over 1,900 square feet of damaged coast. Bishop says representatives from the 20 coastal parishes affected will be present at the meeting.

Cut 6 (10) “thus far”

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The state House Judiciary Committee begins two days of meetings today to discuss universal training for police officers, as well as de-escalation tactics. Monroe Representative Katrina Jackson says the goal of the hearings is to improve the trust between police and the public, especially African-Americans who feel they’ve been targeted by law enforcement.

CUT 7 (09)  “with solutions”

Jackson says they plan to discuss community partnerships with law enforcement that can enhance respect for law enforcement in the communities they police.

Cut 8 (07) “will be there”

She says they need to look at ways that people on both sides can deescalate a situation in a way that keeps both police and the public safe. She says the purpose of the hearings is to start conversations about improving relations and building trust.

Cut 9 (06)  “vet everything”

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Flu season is just around the corner, and the Louisiana Department of Health urges everyone to go out and get their flu shot. Dr. Frank Welch with LDH says despite what some people may think, getting a flu shot will not give someone the flu, and everyone needs to get vaccinated even if they got the shot last year.

Cut 10 (08) “changes itself”

In years past, people had an option to get protected from flu in the form of a nasal spray, rather than an injection. But Welch says the nasal vaccine is not be available this year.

cut 11 (09) “at all”

The flu causes 500 deaths and nearly 3,000 hospitalizations every year in Louisiana. Welch says infants, elderly people, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions are at the greatest risk for complications from the flu. But he says it’s important for everyone to get their flu shot, even if they are not in those high risk groups.

cut 12 (09) “everyone else”

Welch says people should stay home if they are sick, wash their hands, and cover their cough to avoid spreading the virus.

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Candidates for US Senate went at it in the first statewide televised debate. GOP Congressman John Fleming was quick to attack his Republican colleague in the US House, Congressman Charles Boustany. While answering a question about his willingness to compromise, he directed his response towards Boustany saying, it’s important to get things done, but more important to get the things done right.

Cut 13 (10) “heaven’s sake”

Meanwhile, Democratic Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell had strong words for Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy after Kennedy claimed he convinced the legislature to invest money from a tobacco settlement.

cut 14 (10) “no vote”

Campbell kept at it with Kennedy, asking Boustany to respond to a campaign ad from the Treasurer in which he jokes about suicide. In Kennedy’s ad, he says that he would rather drink weed killer than take part in the political games in Washington.

Cut 15 (09) “joking matter”

Kennedy also had a lot to say about his Republican opponents. He spoke about what the so-called club in Washington has done, promising not to be a part of it if elected.

Cut 16  (11)  “of themselves”

Democratic attorney Caroline Fayard even made a jab at Kennedy over his support of former-governor Bobby Jindal. Fayard says the Jindal administration led the state into debt under Kennedy’s watch.

Cut 17 (09) “which is it”

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LSU players are just like LSU fans, they are excited to have running back Leonard Fournette back on the field after miss the last two games because of an ankle sprain. Offensive guard Josh Boutte says it makes the Tigers ground attack much more potent…

Cut 18 (10) “running game”

LSU wide receiver Malachi Dupre scored his first two touchdowns of the season last week. It’s been tough first half of the season for Dupre who has just 18 catches in six games. But the former John Curtis star says he’s maintained a positive attitude during his struggles…

Cut 19 (19)   “it happened”

Last year Ole Miss beat LSU 38-17. The Rebels blew the game open with three touchdowns in the second quarter. LSU defensive end Arden Key says it was a painful loss…

cut 20 (12) “for em”

Attorney General Jeff Landry reacts to a state judge ruling in his favor in a lawsuit filed by Governor John Bel Edwards. Emelie Gunn…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A Louisiana man is suing the state over a law that prevents him from getting married because he doesn’t have a birth certificate. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry is pleased a Baton Rouge judge has ruled in his favor in a lawsuit filed against him by Governor John Bel Edwards. A judge says Landry does NOT have to sign off on state contracts that contain language to protect against LGBT discrimination in the workplace. Landry says the question of the power of the attorney general has been resolved but…

Cut 3 (09) “to bed”

In April, Governor Edwards issued an executive order that prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity to be included in most state contracts. Landry has since blocked dozens of state contracts, because he says the state legislature on many occasions has refused to protect LGBT individuals from discrimination in state law.

cut 4  (08) “objecting to”

Governor Edwards’ spokesperson Richard Carbo says the governor is reviewing his legal option, but says ruling does not impact the merits of the executive order. But Landry is still concerned the executive order is too overreaching.

Cut 5  (10)  “respect that”

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With 24 candidates in the US Senate race, it may come as a surprise that many Louisiana voters struggle to name even one. We asked Louisiana residents if they knew any of the two dozen candidates.

Cut 6 (10) “after that no”

The sidewalk pop quiz comes just ahead of tonight’s first statewide televised debate, which airs at 7pm on LPB. Some respondents were familiar with one candidate, but more for his controversial past than his current campaign.

CUT 7 (07)  “anybody else”

Analysts have said that voters are paying much more attention to what’s happening with presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. This woman says it’s not surprising voters are not tuned into the Senate race.

Cut 8 (09) “some more”

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A Louisiana man is suing over a state law that requires couples seeking marriage licenses to present a birth certificate, which can pose a problem for those born outside the US. 31-year-old Victor Vo of Lafayette has lived in this country since he was 3 months old and became a U.S. citizen when he was eight and recently had his marriage license application rejected by a court clerk. Attorney Marley Ann Brumme is representing Vo and says the law is unconstitutional and discriminatory.

Cut 9 (10)  “born abroad”

Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges wrote the 2015 law in question. She says it’s an effort to prevent marriage fraud. But Brumme says the law is overstepping the state’s authority.

Cut 10 (08) “with Louisiana”

Hodges says no law is perfectly written, and she is committed to tweaking the language if necessary. But managing director of the New Orleans Workers Center for Racial Justice, Audrey Stewart, says Louisiana has a long history of discriminating against immigrants.

cut 11 (11) “to rights”

Hodges says she is working with Attorney General Jeff Landry to ensure that those who are in this country legally are encouraged and able to get married in Louisiana, whether they are native born or legal immigrants.

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In the race for the 3rd Congressional District, it appears as though it’s GOP Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle’s race to lose, as he’s raised more than rest of the field combined. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says this goes along with how the race has been from the very beginning…:

cut 12 (08) “and money”

Third Quarter Federal Elections Commission records show Angelle has over $1 million dollars in receipts through the third quarter, followed by little known Gus Rantz with more $620,000. Cross says Clay Higgins, a former police captain with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, is arguably the second best-known candidate in the race….:

Cut 13 (09) “and so on”

Cross says also worth mentioning for a potential runoff spot is Democrat Larry Rader because many people in the district would never vote Republican. He says there’s also a former state Representative who is a favorite in the district’s western region…:

cut 14 (10) “constituency”

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The top five candidates for US Senate are taking the stage tonight for the first statewide televised debate, which will air at 7pm on LPB. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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A survey of 800 likely Louisiana voters finds the margin between Presidential candidates Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton is shrinking. Emelie Gunn has more….

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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According to the finance website ValuePenguin, Louisiana is home to two of the most dangerous highways in the country. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Two interstate highways that stretch across Louisiana are ranked among the most dangerous roads in the country, according to a new report from the finance website ValuePenguin. Interstates 10 and 20 came in at numbers four and 8 respectively on the list. Research analyst Craig Casazza says I-10 is the second darkest interstate, and it’s also known for drunk drivers.

cut 4  (08) “lit areas””

The report found that Louisiana has the third most fatal stretch of I-10, with a fatality rate of nearly 55 deadly accidents per 100 miles. Casazza says I-20 came in as the fifth darkest and eighth most dangerous highway with a fatality rate is 43 fatal crashes per 100 miles.

Cut 5  (08)  “looked at”

The most dangerous part of I-49 in Louisiana runs through Shreveport, and New Orleans is the most dangerous city for traffic fatalities in the state. Casazza says through the report, ValuePenguin wants to raise awareness about the dangerous conditions along these highways.

Cut 6 (08) “policy changes”

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Five of the 24 candidates for US Senate will go head to head tonight in the first statewide televised debate of the race. Republicans Charles Boustany, John Fleming and John Kennedy, along with Democrats Foster Campbell and Caroline Fayard are the candidates who will participate tonight. ULM political science professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says this will give voters an opportunity to hear from them in a more spontaneous fashion.

CUT 7 (11)  “the candidates”

The debate begins at 7 PM on LPB. Kennedy and Boustany have been attacking each other during the race. Boustany has even accused Kennedy of spreading allegations that Boustany was involved with prostitutes. Stockley says we will likely see more of that hostility in tonight’s showdown.

Cut 8 (11) “to continue”

Stockley says the attacks won’t be limited to the GOP candidates. He says Campbell and Fayard will each have to pitch themselves as the best Democrat for the job, as they’re fighting to make it into the runoff, since it’s doubtful two Democrats will make it.

Cut 9 (11)  “each other”

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A poll of 800 likely Louisiana voters shows the presidential race in the state is tightening up. The survey conducted by JMC Analytics finds Republican candidate Donald Trump at 45-percent, but Democrat Hillary Clinton has creeped up to 38-percent. In July, Trump had a 15-percentage point lead. Pollster John Couvillon says white female Democrats are helping to narrow the gap.

Cut 10 (07) “race up”

The survey was conducted October 11-15, after a recording was released of Trump making lewd comments about women. Couvillon says after looking at the national polls, he thinks these allegations against the billionaire affected this survey.

cut 11 (10) “allegations”

The poll was commissioned by the John Fleming for U.S Senate campaign. Couvillon believes Trump will win Louisiana by a high single digit margin. He says the race is much tighter in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans, but Trump has a wider lead in the rural areas of the state.

cut 12 (10) “parishes”

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A Baton Rouge judge has ruled in favor of Attorney General Jeff Landry for his refusal to sign state contracts that protect against LGBT discrimination, in spite of an executive order signed by Governor John Bel Edwards in April. Legal analyst Clancy Dubos says Landry is clearly trying to make a political statement, and in this case the judge has agreed with him.

Cut 13 (10) “any contract”

Edwards filed the lawsuit in September because the AG has refused to sign upwards of 40 state contracts containing language that prevents discrimination against the LGBT community. The governor could appeal the court’s decision or file another lawsuit. Dubos says even after this ruling, it still remains to be seen how this will play out.

cut 14 (06) “from over”

Judge Donald Johnson said state law is unclear about who has the final say regarding state contracts, but Edwards cannot force Landry to move contracts with this kind of provision forward. Dubos says Landry may have ulterior political motives in denying the contracts.

Cut 15 (09) “right now”

The Governor’s Office issued a statement in response to the defeat, saying it is in no way a ruling on the merits of the executive order, and he is reviewing his legal options. Landry posted a statement on Twitter following the decision, applauding Judge Johnson for his attentiveness, preparation, and judgement.

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After missing the last two games because of an ankle injury, LSU running back Leonard Fournette is expected to play this Saturday against 23rd ranked Ole Miss. Tigers Head Coach Ed Orgeron says not being able to play has been tough on his All-American tailback…

Cut 16  (16)  “his hand”

Starting left guard Will Clapp could also play this Saturday after missing the Southern Miss contest with an arm injury. While Coach “O” says tackle Toby Weathersby and tight end Foster Moreau would be questionable. Last year, Ole Miss beat LSU 38-17. Orgeron says he has not forgotten that humbling loss in Oxford…

Cut 17 (21) “fix this week”

Ole Miss brings a 3-3 record into Baton Rouge as they are 1-and-2 in the SEC. But the Rebels have the best pass offense in the SEC, averaging 320 yards through the air. Orgeron says Ole Miss Head Coach Hugh Freeze is one of the best offensive coaches in college football…

Cut 18 (22) “he’s doing there”

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Louisiana Tech running back Jaqwis Dancy will miss the rest of the season as he’s been diagnosed with cancer. Coach Skip Holtz says the sophomore from Arkansas has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Holtz says the team learned about Dancy’s cancer fight earlier this month and it’s helped bring the team together….

Cut 19 (17)   “Louisiana Tech”

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a treatable form of cancer of the lymphatic system. He played in all 13 games as a freshman, but did not play this season because of an ankle injury. Holtz says the team will wear a special decal on their helmet in honor of Dancy…

cut 20 (21) “love em”

PSC Chairman and former Congressman Clyde Holloway of Forrest Hill has passed away at 72. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Louisiana’s high school graduation rate has hit a new high, as has the overall US rate. Michelle Southern reports on today’s numbers released by the White House.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Food prices at the grocery store are down 13-percent from last year. That’s based on a survey from the American Farm Bureau. Louisiana Farm Bureau specialist Neil Melancon says the quarterly survey looks at prices of sixteen different food items and the numbers look much better than they did this time last year.

Cut 3 (08) “year ago”

Steak prices are down 11-percent, while chicken breasts are down 16-pecent and bacon decreased by 3-percent. Melancon says there was a spike in meat prices a few years ago, because the demand outweighed the supply of livestock, but the like livestock supply has been rebuilt.

cut 4  (08) “are now”

Prices for eggs have plummeted a whopping 51-percent, and whole milk is down 10-percent. Melancon expects the next survey, which will be conducted before Thanksgiving, will continue to show lower prices at the grocery store..

Cut 5  (09)  “out there”

Melancon says of the 16 items on the survey, only three increased in price- bagged salad by 16-percent, apples by 10-percent, and potatoes by 3-percent.

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Chairman of the Public Service Commission and former Congressman Clyde Holloway of Forrest Hill has passed away at the age of 72. Former state representative and close friend of Holloway, Woody Jenkins, says Holloway was the type of man who took the initiative and didn’t wait for someone else to tell him what needed to be done.

Cut 6 (10) “mobilize people”

A cause of death was not given. Jenkins says Holloway was an honest man with traditional conservative principles. He says Holloway fought hard to help his hometown of Forrest Hill and wasn’t afraid to run for any political office.

CUT 7 (09)  “the effort”

Holloway served as one of five members of the PSC since 2009, and served in the US House of Representatives from 1987-1993. Louisiana Republican Party Chairman Roger Villere says Holloway was one of the founders of the conservative movement in the state.

Cut 8 (10) “state well”

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A new survey released by JMC Analytics finds democratic Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell tops the poll, coming in at over 23-percent. Pollster John Couvillon says democratic voters are rallying behind Campbell. He says fellow Democrat Caroline Fayard polls at 9-percent, so Campbell’s message seems to be getting out to minority voters.

Cut 9 (07)  “governor”

Couvillon says it looks like it’s now a fight for the second spot in the runoff with Republicans John Kennedy, John Fleming, and Charles Boustany all on each other’s heels. He says right now Kennedy is leading Fleming by one point, but Fleming is well positioned to make the runoff.

Cut 10 (10) “tight race”

The poll was commissioned by the Fleming campaign. Couvillon says Campbell is essentially a lock for the runoff. But he says we can be expect to see a big ramp up in ads from the three major republican candidates.

cut 11 (07) “etcetera”

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The US graduation rate is at an all time high, and so is Louisiana’s. According to a report released by the White House, the Bayou State’s graduation rate for 2014-2015 is 77.5 percent, compared to 74.6 percent the prior year. Louisiana Superintendent of Education John White…:

cut 12 (09) “future for life”

The overall US graduation rate went up to 83- percent. White says years ago Louisiana committed that graduating from high school would be a part of our state’s high school rating system…:

Cut 13 (08) “to make sure it happens”

The numbers from Washington show Asian Americans had a 90.2 percent graduation rate, whites were 88-percent and African Americans at 75-percent. White says Louisiana also has unfortunate gaps between low income students and their peers. He says Louisiana outpaces the nation in terms of improvement, but there is still a long way to go…:

cut 14 (10) “here at home in Louisiana”

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Governor John Bel Edwards and AG Jeff Landry are in court today after the governor sued Landry for blocking protections for members of the LGBT community. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Just weeks after flood victims rolled out of what was a shelter at Celtic Studios in Baton Rouge, camera crews could be rolling in. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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New data from the Associated Press and USA Today shows Louisiana has the second highest rate of accidental shootings involving minors. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Governor John Bel Edwards and Attorney General Jeff Landry are in court today after the governor sued the AG for blocking state legal contracts that had wording to protect members of the LGBT community from workplace discrimination. Jeremy Alford of Lapoltics.com says it’s very unusual to see statewide elected officials sue another…

cut 4  (10) “laws””

Alford says the Governor is making moves by executive order and expects we’ll continue to see these trends throughout the remainder of his term. He says this could be a tough case for the judge to decide.

Cut 5  (09)  “coming term”

Alford says this feud between Governor Edwards and AG Landry has really been going on since the day the two were sworn into office and expects it will continue…

Cut 6 (10) “2019”

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Lights, camera, action! Those words haven’t been spoken at Celtic Studios in Baton Rouge in over a year, but that could change soon, as Louisiana’s film industry is starting to show signs of life. Executive Director Patrick Mulhearn says calls are starting to come in from companies who want to film in Louisiana. He says it’s encouraging to see a light at the end of the tunnel.

CUT 7 (09)  “very soon”

Louisiana’s film industry has seen a downturn because of a 2015 law that placed a capped on the state’s film tax credit program. But Mulhearn believes film companies now have a better understanding of the credits available. He hopes next year, lawmakers will switch the program from a back end cap to a front end cap.

Cut 8 (10) “business here”

Mulhearn says he met with two different productions on the same day, and he hasn’t done that in over a year. He says it looks like things are looking up for Louisiana’s film industry.

Cut 9 (08)  “than later”

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Louisiana ranks second in the nation for accidental shootings involving minors, nearly three times more than the national average. That’s according to new data from the Associated Press and USA today. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says what we don’t know is how kids are getting their hands on these weapons.

Cut 10 (09) “like that”

Alaska was the only state to top Louisiana on the list. The report found Baton Rouge had more accidental shootings than any other city in the Deep South. Moore says often times parents know or suspect that their child has a gun, but they don’t do anything about it.

cut 11 (10) “frustrating part”

The district attorney says there is no state law on the books to make parents responsible for accidental shootings involving children. Moore says that’s why prosecutors can’t charge parents for criminal negligence in allowing these kids to get ahold of a gun.

cut 12 (07) “had it”

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Voters will have a lot to consider on November 8^th. In addition to the federal elections and local races, six constitutional amendments are on the ballot. The Public Affairs Research Council published a guide that explains the proposals to voters. PAR president Robert Travis Scott says three of the amendments will have a big impact on state policy, and one will affect college tuition.

Cut 13 (11) “vote”

Scott says amendment number three would change the state’s corporate tax income structure. He says Louisiana has an upper rate of 8-percent for corporate income taxes, which is relatively high compared to other states in the region. But he says companies are able to take a lot of deductions and exemptions.

cut 14 (11) “for corporations”

Scott says amendment five would create a new state fund, similar to the rainy day fund. He says the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund would trim tax revenue off the top of mineral and corporate taxes during times when they are good, and put that money back to save for when the cycle goes back down.

Cut 15 (12) “for it”

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LSU and Southern Miss were tied at ten at halftime on Saturday night in Death Valley, but the Tigers erupted for four 3rd quarter touchdowns and defeated the Golden Eagles 45-10.  Running back Derrius Guice’s 61 yard touchdown early in the third quarter started a very good second half for the Tigers…

Cut 16  (13)  “second half”

Guice finished with 162 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Danny Etling threw for 3 touchdowns and 276 yards. Etling talked about what Coach Orgeron said at halftime…

Cut 17 (10) “pretty nice”

Etling threw two long touchdown passes in the game, one to DJ Chark and the other to Malachi Dupre. Orgeron liked that LSU was able to hit on a few deep balls…

Cut 18 (11) “stiffer opponents”

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The Saints have a winning streak. New Orleans raced out to a 21-0 lead over the defending NFC championship Carolina Panthers and had to hold for a 41-38 victory. The Saints led by two touchdowns at halftime and Carolina tied it with three touchdowns in the 4th quarter. But rookie Will Lutz kicked a 52-yard field goal with 11 seconds left for the win. Coach Sean Payton on their second consecutive victory

Cut 19 (11)   “do that”

Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 465 yards and four touchdowns, he was also intercepted once. Brandin Cooks had 7 catches for 173 yards and one touchdown. But the 52-yard field goal by Lutz was the difference. Payton is very high on the 22-year-old.

cut 20 (18) ” mental toughness”

Following an explosion at Camp Minden in September, a plan has put into place to dispose over 200-thousand pounds of explosives that contain an unstable chemical compound. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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At the second meeting of the Restore Louisiana Task Force, Congressman Garret Graves urges members to move quickly as more federal aid is coming. Don Molino has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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Officials announce plans to dispose of volatile explosives at Camp Minden in Webster Parish that led to a bunker exploding in September. Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Chuck Brown says there are three bunkers that contain Clean Burning Ignitor, which is deteriorating and becoming more unstable by the day. He says on Monday they will open the doors of one of the bunkers and let the fire out.

Cut 3 (12) “taking off”

The chemical compounds are being stored at Camp Minden after they had been improperly stored by an explosives company that went out of business. The Louisiana National Guard has been burning off M6 propellant in contained burning chambers. Brown says nearly 200-thousand pounds of the CBI will be destroyed, as well as 40-thousand pounds of M6 propellant.

cut 4  (09) “ignitor”

Officials have set three separate dates to burn each of the bunkers, Monday, October 22, and October 29. It will take place early in the morning to take advantage of calm wind. Brown says DEQ and the EPA will be on hand to monitor the air quality. He says they do not anticipate a chain reaction of explosions with their plan.

Cut 5  (10)  “plan in place”

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A 20-year-old Baton Rouge man has been charged with negligent homicide in the shooting death of his mother. BRPD Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says the 37-year-old mother and her son got into a verbal argument, which turned physical…

Cut 6 (10) “striking her”

McKneely says when authorities arrived at the scene, Dexter Clay Jr. was applying pressure to the wound on his mother, Melissa Clay. He says Dexter Clay fully cooperated with police…

CUT 7 (07)  “negligent homicide”

McKneely says the mother was transported to a local hospital where she later died. He says the shooting was clearly an accident…

Cut 8 (10) “through it”

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Flood recovery discussions are ongoing, as the Restore Louisiana Task Force is deciding how to spend the $438 million the state has received so far from the federal government. Republican Baton Rouge Congressman Garrett Graves says they will seek more federal assistance, but it’s important for the state to decide quickly how they’ll allocate the first installment of federal funds.

Cut 9 (10)  “be spent”

Graves says Louisiana’s congressional delegation will seek additional funding from Congress when they return for their lame duck session after the November election. He says the Comite River Diversion project and other flood mitigation plans will be at the top of the list for their funding request.

Cut 10 (07) “and businesses”

Graves says the task force needs to come up with specific areas that need disaster funding, like home repair and mental health. He says it will be easier to get federal dollars approved if Congress understands exactly where the money will go.

cut 11 (10) “next request”

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A 12-year-old and a 14-year-old have been arrested for vandalizing over 50 graves and smashing urns in an Independence Cemetery. Vincent Spitale, president of Colonial Cemetery Association, says this is very upsetting for the families as they have to go through the grieving process again. He says so many things were destroyed.

cut 12 (10) “cement floor”

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office has charged the teens with multiple counts of criminal damage to property, desecration of a grave and simple burglary. Spitale says all the name plates were broken and the doors will have to be replaced. He says he wishes he could understand why the teens did a heinous act like this…

Cut 13 (03) “from it”

Spitale says they aren’t sure how much it will cost to repair the cemetery. He says family members of those whose graves were damaged or destroyed came out to see the destruction.

cut 14 (07) “this time”

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LSU will be without one of their starting safeties in Saturday night’s game against Southern Miss. Head Coach Ed Orgeron says senior Rickey Jefferson suffered a serious leg injury in practice this week….

Cut 15 (14) “I know that”

Junior John Battle will take Jefferson’s spot in the starting line-up.. Coach O’ says the whole team is ready to play after an unexpected week off and the death of the school’s live mascot…

Cut 16  (12)  “on Saturday night”

LSU Health New Orleans is looking for patients to participate in a clinical trial to treat Merkel cell carcinoma. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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LSU and Florida will play each other on November 19th, but in Tiger Stadium, instead of Gainesville. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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An East Baton Rouge flood victim couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw that he’d won $1 million from the Powerball. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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LSU Health New Orleans is searching for patients to participate in a clinical trial for a new treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare form of skin cancer. Director of LSU Health New Orleans Cancer Center Dr. Augusto Ochoa says for the first time in Louisiana, people suffering from this cancer will be treated with an immunotherapy drug.

cut 4  (10) “those sites””

Immunotherapy is also used to treat melanoma and some lung cancers. Ochoa says with this treatment the initial tests found over 2/3 of patients showed a dramatic reduction in the tumor as a result of the immunotherapy. He says other forms of treatment were very unsuccessful…

Cut 5  (11)  “got treated”

The founder of Popeye’s Chicken and Biscuits, Al Copeland Sr., passed away in 2008 of Merkal Cell Carcinoma. His son, Al Copeland Jr, says the Al Copeland Foundation donated 100-thousand dollars to support this clinical trial.

Cut 6 (10) “research center”

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We’re halfway through October, but you wouldn’t know it by the weather. State climatologist Barry Keim says we are running abnormally warm and dry this month. He says when it comes to rainfall this year, we’ve been feast or famine, and right now its famine.

CUT 7 (09)  “abnormally dry”

Keim says so far this month Louisiana has only seen one one-hundredth of an inch of rain. He says a lack of clouds and rain is keeping temperatures higher than usual for this time of year.

Cut 8 (07) “future”

Keim says there is a possibility of a front coming through towards the end of next week, which could bring some rain and lower temperatures. He says October is typically the driest month of the year for Louisiana, so it’s not a surprise to see a lack of rainfall.

Cut 9 (10)  “like that”

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Flood victims could get more answers about the recovery during today’s meeting of the Restore Louisiana Task Force. The state has just been told it will receive at last 438-million dollars in federal disaster aid. Co-chairman of the Task Force and former Denham Springs Mayor Jimmy Durbin says the Office of Community Development will provide a recommendation on how to spend it.

Cut 10 (09) “going out”

Durbin says they still aren’t sure exactly when the federal assistance will get into the hands of flood victims. At today’s meeting, he says the taskforce will receive a presentation from the Ocean County Long Term Recovery Group, who have been dealing with similar recovery efforts for almost four years.

cut 11 (10) “Sandy damage”

Durbin says they will also hear from Senator Bill Cassidy to get an update on the ongoing efforts to get more federal dollars for flood relief. He says they’re confident the $438 million is just the first installment.

cut 12 (09) “additional funding”

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An East Baton Rouge Parish flood victim has won $1 million from the Powerball. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says when they heard a man in Central had won the prize, they were hoping it would go to someone who really needed it. She says they were thrilled to find out 72-year-old James Lapeze was the winner.

Cut 13 (09) “good use”

Chopin says after federal and state withholdings, Lapeze will take home $700-thousand. She says Lapeze couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw that he won the million dollar prize.

cut 14 (08) “that house”

Lapeze told Chopin once his house is paid off, he plans to enjoy the rest of his retirement. Chopin says because the jackpot wasn’t unusually high, they believe Lapeze is a regular lottery player.

Cut 15 (10) “start playing”

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LSU will play Florida this season and the game will be held in Death Valley on November 19th, instead of the Swamp. LSU’s previously scheduled game for that day against South Alabama has been cancelled. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says swapping out the Jaguars for the Gators, creates a difficult finish to the season…

Cut 16  (08)  “and Texas”

Moran says the schedule swap is good for the fans as they would prefer to see the Tigers play Florida on November 19th instead of South Alabama. He says it could also be good for Interim Head Coach Ed Orgeron, who is looking to get the job on a permanent basis.

Cut 17 (08) “might be yours”

There were other scenarios floated in an effort to make-up the postponed LSU-Florida game, including forcing the Tigers to give up a home game. But Athletic Director Joe Alleva said earlier this week that LSU will play a home game on November 19th and Moran says Alleva should get credit for making it happen…

Cut 18 (11) “for him”

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Two teams desperate for a victory will meet in the Mercedes Benz Superdome on Sunday when the 1-and-3 Saints, host the 1-and-4 Panthers. New Orleans defensive end Cam Jordan says there’s a level of urgency to follow up the San Diego win two weeks ago, with another victory…

Cut 19 (13)   “for us”

The defending NFC champs are one of the big disappointments in the NFL this season. Jordan says defenses have been able to put more pressure on Carolina quarterback Cam Newton…

cut 20 (10) “…of time”

The deadline for August flood victims to apply for FEMA assistance is extended to November 14th. Emelie Gunn has more on the federal government’s response to the flooding…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Boating fatalities are significantly up, as 22 people have died on Louisiana’s waterways in 2016. Halen Doughty reports the state only had 13 fatal crashes on the waterways at this time last year.

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Tulane researchers are teaming up in a university-wide collaboration to learn more about the brain. Jeff Palermo has more on the schoo’s new Brain Institute…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The deadline for August flood victims to apply for FEMA aid or low interest loans from the Small Business Administration has been extended until to November 14th. FEMA spokesperson Kurt Pickering says this will give people more time to register for assistance. He says so far, individual households in Louisiana have received 699 million dollars in grants to repair their homes.

cut 4  (04)  “150,000”

Pickering says by applying for FEMA aid, it also starts the process to receive an SBA loan, which can provide flood victims up to 200-thousand dollars and up to 2 million dollars for businesses.

Cut 5  (11)  “from us”

Pickering says the federal government remains very committed to the recovery process in Louisiana, despite the massive damage the East Coast received from Hurricane Matthew. He says FEMA staff will not be moved from Louisiana.

Cut 6 (08) “set up”

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Over six weeks and three thousand miles later, three escaped Natchitoches parish inmates are once again behind bars. Capt. Tony Moran with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office says 35-year-old Walshea Mitchell, 24-year-old Michael Elliot, and 34-year-old Willie Ethridge were all captured in different states, and they’re working to figure out how they managed to get that far.

CUT 7 (08)  “the escape”

Moran says Mitchell was captured in Oklahoma yesterday, Elliot was apprehended in Colorado a few days ago, and Ethridge was caught in Oregon a couple of weeks ago. He says the inmates escaped from Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on August 27^th.

Cut 8 (09) “and escaped”

Moran says multiple law enforcement agencies in several states worked together to get these criminals back into police custody. He says in addition to the charges they were serving time for, they will all face new charges.

Cut 9 (08)  “on the run”

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Fatalities on Louisiana’s waterways are well above what they were at this time last year, as 7 people died in boating accidents in September alone. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says there have been 22 deaths this year, compared to only 13 through September of last year. He says most of the deaths could have been prevented.

Cut 10 (08) “the water”

Einck says LDWF conducts boating safety patrols on the waterways to make sure everyone is wearing a life jacket and that the operator is sober. He encourages anyone who is going out on the water to make a plan with your loved ones and always bring your cell phone.

cut 11 (08) “with you”

LDWF has investigated 110 boating crashes so far this year, 12 of which happened in September. Einck says a lot of last month’s accidents involved boaters hitting something in the water. He says it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings.

cut 12 (08) “your speeds”

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Tulane University researchers are teaming up to learn more about the brain in a new collaboration called the Brain Institute. Tulane Vice President for Research, Dr. Laura Levy, says understanding the brain is one of the true frontiers of the life sciences. She says scientists don’t know much about the brain, and they hope this university-wide collaboration will help them learn more.

Cut 13 (09) “disease states”

Levy says the purpose of the Brain Institute is to bring together people from across the university who may not even know each other to collaborate and share ideas. She says graduate and undergraduate students will also be a part of the discussions.

cut 14 (08)  “make progress”

Levy says they received a $3.7 million donation to jumpstart the initiative, and the donors Marta and Bill Marko, set a fundraising goal of $50 million. She says the National Institute of Health is also expected to contribute grants to help with the cost of their research.

Cut 15 (09) “national objective”

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The LSU Tigers are getting closer to taking the field after not playing last Saturday because of Hurricane Matthew. The Bayou Bengals face Southern Miss on Saturday night in Death Valley in just the third ever meeting between the two teams. LSU is a 26-point favorite, but offensive guard Garrett Brumfield says there’s no over looking the Golden Eagles

Cut 16  (10)  “play the game”

Fullback JD Moore says after not having the opportunity to play last weekend, the team is ready to take the field again in Tiger Stadium…

Cut 17 (12)  “to play”

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The Saints welcome the defending NFC Champs to the Superdome this Sunday as they’ll battle the Carolina Panthers at noon. Carolina is a disappointing 1-and-4 on the season, but Saints safety Kenny Vaccaro says don’t let the Panthers record fool you…

Cut 18 (12) “lightly”

New Orleans comes into Sunday’s contest with a 1-and-3 record, but they went into an open week by beating San Diego on October 2nd. Saints cornerback Ken Crawley says both teams will be desperate for a win…

Cut 19 (16)   “be ready”

BESE has approved one year residency as a redesign to how teachers are prepared to be in the classroom. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A report 24/7 Wall Street finds the rate of college grads in Louisiana is 23-percent, eight percentage points below the national average. Michelle Southern reports…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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In the wake of two historic floods in Louisiana, Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana wants the public to know that research shows child abuse rates usually go up three months to a year after a disaster. Executive Director Amanda Brunson says as we’re entering that time period, now is the prime time for prevention. She says tensions tend to rise as the family experiences more stress.

CUT 3 (09)  “to wane”

Brunson says it’s not just the parents who feel pressure after a disaster. She adds stress can lead to children complaining, wetting the bed, and being clinging, and says it’s important for parents to understand where this behavior is coming from.

CUT 4 (08)  “more supportive”

Brunson says they have a toll-free anonymous hotline for parents who need some support. She says parents who are struggling can call their KIDLINE at 1-800-CHILDREN from 8am to 8pm daily.

CUT 5 (10)  “crisis intervention”

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A redesign of how teachers are prepared to lead a classroom has been approved by BESE. It would require a one year apprenticeship for aspiring teachers before they can be certified. BESE President Jim Garvey says he supports this change because this will improve the ability of new teachers to hit the ground running on day one.

CUT 6 (09) “mentor teacher”

The program will be funded for the next 5 years by a federal grant.  Mentors will receive additional pay and the teacher in training will receive some income. Garvey says some teachers have already gone through the apprenticeship as part of a pilot program and gave positive reviews.

CUT 7 (10) “lead teacher”

The one year residency will be required for certification starting July 1, 2018. President of the Louisiana Association of Educators Debbie Meaux says she is in favor of the concept, but this program is moving way too fast. She says some college classes would be stripped away with this new program…

CUT 8 (09) “mini me”

Meaux says she’s also concerned that new teachers will only be sent to schools around universities and not in rural areas.

CUT 9 (07) “fully yet” 

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An attorney in Metairie has filed a petition to recall Jefferson Parish President Mike Yenni. This comes after Yenni admitted to sending improper text messages to a 17-year-old boy. Robert Evans made the announcement after Yenni said he had no plans to resign because he didn’t do anything illegal. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says the recall effort as 180 days…:

cut 10 (08)  “in Jefferson Parish”

In a news release Evans cites, among other things, that the fact that Yenni is banned from schools and other youth related activities — it’s impossible for him to perform his job as parish president. Schedler says they need to collect just over 80,000 written signatures in 6 months…:

Cut 11 (06) “to vote”

Schedler says if they get all of the certified signatures they need, the petition goes to the governor who can then decide if there is cause for a recall election. He says they always recommend that petitioners get more than the required number of signatures…:

cut 12 (08) “or kick out”

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About 23-percent of Louisiana adults have at least a four year degree, according to a new report from the finance website 24/7 Wall Street. That’s 8 percentage points below the national average. Demographer Greg Rigamer says Louisiana’s lower than average household creates financial obstacles for people seeking degrees.

Cut 13 (09)  “trump that”

The report also found New Orleans has the highest concentration of college grads in the state at nearly 29-percent. Rigamer also contributes the low rate of four year degrees, to Louisiana’s public education system, as well as the kinds of job opportunities in the state.

cut 14 (09)  “college degrees”

Rigamer says people may not be as enthusiastic about getting degrees because there are not many major white-collar corporations in Louisiana as there are good paying blue collar jobs.

cut 15 (09) “college education”

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The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office says a chase and standoff this morning resulted in the death of a suspect wanted on attempted murder of a police officer charges. Spokeswoman Lori Steele says it all started this morning when a deputy attempted to pull 31-year-old Blaine Beason over as the suspect gave chase…:

cut 16 (09) “while fleeing on foot”

State Police is investigating. Steele says Beason was later located in a barn where a deputy found the suspect pointing a gun at the cop. That’s when the officer returned fire killing the suspect. Steele says Beason was wanted on several charges:

cut 17 (08) “initial stop”

The man who raised Mike VI from birth until he became LSU’s mascot remembers the beloved cat, who died after a four month battle with. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The BAT Mobile is coming to the Bayou to help fight drunk driving, but it won’t be Bruce Wayne behind the wheel. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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US Attorney Walt Green says the investigation into Alton Sterling’s death during a confrontation with Baton Rouge police officers is still ongoing, more than three months after the shooting. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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With the sad news of Mike VI passing, the man who raised LSU’s live mascot from birth until he came to the university at two years old, Steve Cotner, remembers the playfulness of the sweet tiger. Cotner says right after ‘Roscoe’ was born, the tiger cub wouldn’t bother anyone else but followed him wherever he went. He says the two of them became best friends.

cut 4  (10)  “bad day”

 Thanks to a GoFundMe account, Cotner still plans on coming to LSU to meet everyone involved in the live mascot’s life. Cotner says he never saw aggression in Mike whatsoever and he tried to socialize him as much as he could to show the tiger, people weren’t there to hurt him. He says he came to visit Mike in Baton Rouge twice from Indiana.

Cut 5  (10)  “I was”

 Cotner was a volunteer at Great Cats of Indiana, which is a non-profit sanctuary and rescue facility, and it’s the place where Mike was born in 2005. The 57-year-old says he’ll never forget the lovable tiger cub.

Cut 6 (12) “somewhere”

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More than three months after Alton Sterling, a black man, was fatally shot during a confrontation with two white Baton Rouge police officers, the US Attorney Walt Green says the investigation is still ongoing. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the Justice Department should take it’s time when investigating these kind of shootings.

CUT 7 (07)  “it’s appropriate”

The US Attorney’s statement says a team of federal prosecutors, FBI agents, and other personnel have devoted hundreds of hours to the investigation. Meche says it’s somewhat unusual that Green issued the statement seemingly unprovoked, but he suspects activists groups have been calling for him to make a rushed indictment, which he says wouldn’t be good for the case.

Cut 8 (08) “the case”

The statement also says there is no timetable for when the investigation will be complete, as everyone involved is committed to taking all necessary steps to reach a just result. Meche says it’s probably far from over.

Cut 9 (07)  “a year”

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Law enforcement in the bayou and river parishes now have a new weapon to help battle drunk driving- the BAT Mobile. Troop C Commander Frank Besson says local law enforcement agencies will share the mobile Breath Alcohol Testing unit, which is essentially a large van equipped with breath alcohol testing equipment. He says they plan to set up the van in targeted areas.

Cut 10 (08) “may be”

The unit will be used in Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, and Terrebonne parishes. The $280-thousand truck was paid for by local sheriff’s offices, who will be reimbursed through DOTD’s Destination Zero Deaths initiative. Besson says this well help police test drivers’ breath on the spot.

cut 11 (09) “police department”

Besson says they will also set up the BAT at checkpoints, and officers will be trained to drive the DWI testing unit. He says they have everything they need in it to make an arrest, including cameras to monitor the inside and extra personnel on hand.

cut 12 (11) “the charges”

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Senate candidate Troy Hebert’s legal attempt to force LPB and the Council for a Better Louisiana to include more candidates in next week’s Senate debate gets a hearing today in a Baton Rouge courtroom. Political consultant and former-Secretary of State, Jim Brown, says Hebert is right on the money for filing the suit after only 5 of the 24 candidate were scheduled to be in the debate.

Cut 13 (11) “the debate”

For a candidate to participate, he or she must have polled at least 5-percent and raised over $1 million in campaign funds. Brown says it’s not fair to the voters not to include all of their options in the political forum.

cut 14 (09)  “years ago”

Brown told the Jim Engster Show that this debate could have a huge impact on the outcome of the election, and it’s not fair for a business group to decide who can participate.

Cut 15 (08) “his lawsuit”

CABL president Barry Erwin says for the public’s benefit it’s best to hear from candidates who have a viable chance to win.

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The Ragin Cajuns are in action tonight against Appalachian State in a Sun Belt match-up that will be shown on ESPN Two, starting at 7:05. UL Lafayette enters the game with a league record of 1-and-1 and Coach Mark Hudpseth says it’s an important game for the program…

Cut 16  (14)  “App state team”

Appalachian State is listed as a ten-point favorite. Hudspeth says winning the battle at the line of scrimmage will be important…

Cut 17 (17)  “be offensive line”

Anthony Jennings will start at quarterback against the Mountaineers. The former LSU Tiger was sent to a bench during the double overtime loss to New Mexico State, after throwing two interceptions. But Hudspeth says Jennings has had a great week of practice…

Cut 18 (12) “his attitude”