The new Louisiana GOP deputy chairman stands by Donald Trump even after the recently released recordings of the presidential candidate’s lewd remarks against women 11 years ago. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

================

LSU’s Mike the Tiger has died following a four month battle with cancer. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

==============================================

Following Jefferson Parish President Mike Yenni’s admission to sexting a teenage boy, the Jefferson Parish School Board wants to ban him from being on public school campuses. School board member Mark Morgan says the fact that Yenni made contact with the boy on a school campus makes it even more important that Yenni not be allowed there.

CUT 3 (10)  “that of us” 2x

Tonight’s school board meeting, where members are expected to take up a resolution, comes just a week after the Jefferson Parish Council called for Yenni’s resignation. Morgan says the motion would ban Yenni from public and charter school properties.

CUT 4 (09)  “on school campuses”

Yenni was deployed with his military unit assisting with Hurricane Matthew relief efforts, but he came home early to have a closed meeting with his staff Monday. Morgan says the controversy surrounding Yenni’s inappropriate behavior could lead to classroom disruptions.

CUT 5 (10)  “taking place”

==================================================

The new Republican Party deputy chairman of Louisiana, Tim Breaux, says he will stand by Presidential candidate Donald Trump amid an 11-year-old recording recently released with the businessman making lewd comments about women. Breaux, from Lafayette, says he’s been around Trump on many occasions and has never heard him make statements of this nature.

CUT 6 (10) “him elected”

But Executive Director of the Louisiana Democratic Party, Stephen Handwerk, says the President of the United States shouldn’t behave like this. He says he couldn’t believe how easily these remarks came to Trump, but…

CUT 7 (11) “excuse yourself”

Breaux says his wife also works closely with Trump’s businesses and has never felt uncomfortable or heard him make inappropriate comments. He believes the republican candidate still has a good chance to win.

CUT 8 (09) “to make”

Handwerk says even if we dismiss the tape from 11 years ago, we only have to go back a week to find more inappropriate tweets or comments.

CUT 9 (10) “believing that” 

=============================

LSU announces that its live mascot, Mike VI, was euthanized today at the age of 11 following a four-month battle with cancer. His vet, Dr. David Baker, says one of the things he loved the most about Mike is that he was never shy, even from the first day he met him at the Great Cats of Indiana nonprofit rescue facility…

cut 10 (09)  “up where the people were”

LSU says there will not be a formal memorial service for Mike VI, but fans are encouraged to share their memories, stories and photos on social media using #MikeVI. Dr. Baker says Mike VI had all the perfect characteristics of a beloved mascot tiger…:

Cut 11 (06) “and interactive”

Tiger fans came to offer flowers and notes and take pictures outside the cage with Mike VI before he was moved to “hospice care” for the remainder of his time. He even received and purple and gold flower bouquet from the University of Texas’ Longhorn, Bevo. Dr. Baker said it’s a heartbreaking day for LSU fans, but he’s thankful for all the support they’ve received:

cut 12 (10) “I’m very thankful”

==================================================

One in four Americans report having a medical condition worsen because of delaying emergency medical attention for fear of insurance gaps. That’s according to a poll of more than 2-thousand registered voters paid for by the American College of Emergency Physicians. The survey also found more than half of respondents are paying more for insurance coverage. ACEP president, Dr. Jay Kaplan of New Orleans, is not surprised.

Cut 13 (10)  “emergency care”

The poll found that while 15-percent of respondents say their insurance has gotten better in the last year, twice as many say it got worse. Kaplan says insurance companies trying to keep premiums low are raising deductibles. He says this is leading to higher costs for patients.

cut 14 (10)  “out of pocket”

Kaplan says high deductible insurance plans have risen over 40-percent in the last several years. He says one in four patients also say they have lost access to their physicians because insurance companies are narrowing down their networks.

cut 15 (12) “their docors”

=================================================

The Department of Children and Family Services has received federal approval for a second month of D-SNAP benefits. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn” (29

______________________________________

The Department of Transportation is getting the message out to Louisiana motorists on how to navigate a roundabout, as the state is introducing these intersections on our roadways. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (25) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Secretary of State Tom Schedler has unveiled a new “I Voted” sticker featuring Louisiana’s Blue Dog in an effort to get more people to turn out on November 8. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

A new taskforce aims to address the epidemic of opioid abuse in Louisiana. Bob Johannessen with the Department of Health says the Commission on Preventing Opioid Abuse was established in the 2016 legislative session, and they just had their first meeting. He says Louisiana has the seventh highest rate of painkiller prescriptions in the country.

cut 4  (07)  “they treat”

Johannessen says the 38-member commission is made up of representatives from medical, law enforcement, and pharmaceutical communities. He says Louisiana has also received more than $2 million in federal dollars to assist with this effort.

Cut 5  (09)  “behavioral health”

Johannessen says the goal of the commission is to have recommendations ready for the legislature by February. He says they will look at how to improve communications between one physician and another to avoid over prescribing, as well as potential policies to address the issue.

Cut 6 (10) “lead to”

Johannessen says patients who are over prescribed these medications often build up a tolerance, which leads to addiction.

_____________________________________________

The Department of Children and Family Services has received federal approval for a second month of disaster food assistance for the 11 parishes most heavily impacted by the August flooding. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says anyone who received aid last month will automatically have their card reloaded this month. She says recipients will have benefits loaded no later than October 18^th.

CUT 7 (10)  “benefits”

Garner Walters says there is a history of getting additional aid from their federal partners after really big disasters, but typically not this many parishes are included. There were originally 22 parishes covered for the first round of D-SNAP benefits.

Cut 8 (10) “so many”

Garner Walters says these disaster food stamps have really been a life saver for some families who lost everything in the floods. She says they are just trying to help people in any way they can during this difficult recovery process.

Cut 9 (12)  “to do”

____________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Transportation has launched a campaign to promote roundabout safety tips. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says roundabouts are a one-way circular intersection that are designed to improve safety and efficiency. He says typically in the months following the installation of a roundabout, they receive a lot of positive feedback from motorists.

Cut 10 (08) “overall”

DOTD has instated about 30 roundabouts and 100 more have been proposed. Mallett says motorists slow down, but don’t stop when entering a roundabout so it helps with congestion.  He says this type of intersection is also much safer than a stop light.

cut 11 (09) “T-bone”

Mallett says the key to navigating roundabouts is to slow down, yield to traffic, proceed right, and follow signs. Roundabouts are found to reduce traffic related fatalities by 90-percent and injury crashes by 76-percent.

cut 12 (09) “severe accidents”

_________________________________________________

The Secretary of State’s Office has come up with a creative way to get more people to vote in the November 8th election. Secretary of State Tom Schedler unveiled a new “I Voted” sticker featuring Louisiana’s own Blue Dog by artist George Rodrigue. He says Louisiana has not had “I Voted” stickers for several years because of cost, and this is a great way to bring them back.

Cut 13 (10) “very patriotic”

The sticker features the iconic Blue Dog in front of an American flag with the words “I Voted” across the top. The late artist’s wife, Wendy Rodrigue, says they wanted to get involved and they searched within what George had already designed. She says they found that he left them the solution within his art.

cut 14 (09)  “September 11″

Rodrigue’s son Jacques Rodrigue says the piece was released at the New Orleans Museum of Art. He says it’s also on display in an exhibit called “Blue Dog for President” at their gallery in New Orleans. Schedler says they have distributed 4 million stickers to precincts throughout the state, and everyone who votes will get a sticker, even early voters.

Cut 15 (11) “I don’t know”

_________________________________________________

The postponement of the LSU-Florida game has many Tiger fans frustrated, but head coach Ed Orgeron says it was a productive “off” weekend for the football team. Orgeron says they got some good work in on the practice field and then hit the recruiting trail…

Cut 16  (11)  “was positive”

Orgeron says they also used the unexpected bye weekend to self scout their own players and team…

Cut 17 (19)  “on Saturday”

Quarterback Danny Etling says it’s disappointing they couldn’t play Florida, but they can’t get distracted with all the talk about making the game up at a later date…

Cut 18 (16) “here on that”

Senior center Ethan Pocic says they are getting ready to play Southern Miss on Saturday and letting others figure out the schedule…

Cut 19 (11)   “Southern Miss”

It’s a sad day for Tiger Nation, as the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine announces Mike VI has moved into hospice care. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

================

LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva gave a scheduling update on the “post-poned” Florida away game, and it doesn’t look promising. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

==============================================

It appears Mike VI may be in his final days, as the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine announces the live mascot for the past 9 years has been transitioned into hospice care. Mike’s vet, Dr. David Baker, said during a press conference last week that they knew this was coming, and they have a plan to care for Mike as long as his health allows.

CUT 3 (11)  “yard anymore”

During the press conference, Baker said Mike has one to two months to live, and the tiger has been out in his yard for the past week to allow the LSU community to say their goodbyes. He says they want Mike to enjoy life as long as possible, but his well being is their primary concern.

CUT 4 (07)  “euthanasia”

Baker says they also have a plan for Mike VI when his time comes. He says they will perform a necropsy, which is an autopsy for animals, to allow them to learn as much as possible from the deadly tumors that spread through the tiger’s body. He says Mike’s remains will then be cremated like his predecessors.

CUT 5 (09)  “four and five”

==================================================

More than a dozen people are injured and four remain hospitalized following the collapse of an obstacle at the Warrior Dash in West Feliciana Parish. Deputy Chief with the State Fire Marshall’s Office, Brant Thompson, says a 20 foot tall climbing structure called the “Diesel Dome” came down while 20 people were on it. One of those injured was a 10-year-old who was taken to the Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. Thompson says investigators are working to determine exactly how this obstacle was constructed and why it collapsed.

CUT 6 (09) “in place”

Thompson says the Warrior Dash is a 5K with about a dozen obstacles throughout the course, and this is the fourth time the event has been held in St. Francisville. He says they are working to interview those who were injured, as well as other race participants.

CUT 7 (10) “the race”

Over 5,000 people were registered for the event, which is organized by Red Frog Events of Chicago. Thompson says they are trying to determine whether or not any event organizers were informed of the structure’s instability. He says no criminal charges have been filed yet, but the investigation is ongoing.

CUT 8 (09) “to whom”

==================================================

The Louisiana National Guard deployed eight helicopters for Hurricane Matthew response operations in Florida and South Carolina. The deadly storm has claimed the lives of at least 20 people in four states. LANG spokesman Patrick Bossetta says they have a number of missions…:

CUT 9 (09) “their property” 

Bossetta said included in the deployment are two UH-60 Blackhawks, two UH-72 Lakotas and 32 crew members, medics and maintenance support. He says that’s more than what they normally send to help out other states in times of crisis, but Matthew merited that type of support from Louisiana..:

cut 10 (08)  “long path”

Bossetta says four of the aircraft that went to Florida have already returned to Louisiana, and the other four are still in South Carolina for reconnaissance, search and rescue and resupply missions. He says they conduct missions like these for two reasons…one is because they are asked…:

Cut 11 (07) “are protected”

==================================================

It’s not looking good for the LSU/Florida game to be rescheduled. One of the options that has been mentioned was for The Tigers and Gators to play on November 19th. Athletic Director Joe Alleva said he’s been in contact with the SEC and it appears that making this game happen will be extremely difficult…:

cut 12 (09) “on November 19th”

LSU’s open day is the weekend before the Alabama game, but Alleva said he doesn’t want to have to play that day unless Alabama has to play that day. LSU is slated to play South Alabama on November 19th in Tiger Stadium and Alleva emphasized several times that there WILL be a home game that day..:

Cut 13 (10)  “division champions are”

================================

Tomorrow is the last day to register to vote for the November 8^th election. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says to register, or change your party affiliation or your address go to geaux-vote-dot-com(geauxvote.com). Schedler says typically the presidential election has the highest voter turnout…

cut 14 (10)  “low turnout”

Schedler says one of the challenges election officials are facing is that some precincts were damaged by the August flooding and they will have to set up alternative polling locations. He says in Livingston Parish, most precincts will be moved to a site at Juban Crossing.

cut 15 (08) “voters”

The two big items on the ballot are the Presidential and U.S. Senate races, but there are Congressional races, plenty of local elections and proposed changes to the state constitution…

cut 16 (09) “the voter”

Pineville-based power company Cleco will begin construction this month on the St. Mary Clean Energy Center in Franklin. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

A report finds nearly 200-thousand students in 19 states, including Louisiana, are subjected to corporal punishment. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Monroe is the fourth poorest city in the country, according to a report from the finance website 24/7 Wall Street. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Pineville-based utility company, Cleco, will break ground this month on a new clean energy plant in St Mary parish. Spokesperson Robbyn Cooper says a partnership between Cleco and Cabot Corporation will allow them to produce energy without any emissions at the 80-million dollar facility in Franklin.

cut 4  (11)  “the waste heat”

Cooper says the new St. Mary Clean Energy Center will provide power for 17-thousand homes across Louisiana. She says building the facility will also benefit the local economy by creating new jobs.

Cut 5  (11)  “construction jobs”

Cleco expects it will be operational by March 2018. Cooper says this is a good investment for Cleco, because it will replace a smaller plant that was built in the 1950s.

Cut 6 (08) “increased emissions”

_____________________________________________

A report by the Society for Research in Child Development finds over 160-thousand students in 19 states, including Louisiana, where kids are being subjected to corporal punishment in their schools every year. Developmental Psychologist with the University of Texas, Dr. Elizabeth Gershoff, says African American children are 50-percent more likely to be smacked than white students.

CUT 7 (09)  “misbehaving more”

Gershoff says she decided to do this research to alert the public, because many people are surprised corporal punishment is still legal in some schools. She hopes this will get parents to address this issue.

Cut 8 (10) “from schools”

Her research found one in five Louisiana schools still use corporal punishment, with the majority being in rural areas. Gershoff says there were almost 5-thousand students paddled in the 2013-2014 school year, which is the latest data available. She says even when some parents get upset after discovering their child is spanked at school, the lawsuits are usually unsuccessful.

Cut 9 (10)  “in Louisiana”

____________________________________________________

A new report from the finance website 24/7 Wall Street finds Monroe is the fourth poorest city in the country. ULM economics professor Dr. Robert Eisenstaedt says this isn’t surprising because Louisiana as a whole is a poor state, and the northeast part of the state tends to be even poorer.

Cut 10 (11) “national average”

According to the 24/7 Wall Street report, Monroe has a poverty rate of about 24-percent and an unemployment rate of just over 6-percent. Eisenstaedt says Monroe has been a poor city almost since its birth. He says the best way to reverse this trend is through education.

cut 11 (08) “anti-poverty program”

Eisenstaedt says the workforce is becoming a little more diverse. The growth of CenturyLink is helping in that area. He says a positive for Ouachita parish is that it’s not impacted by the downturn in the oil industry.

cut 12 (10) “a good thing”

_________________________________________________

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness announces more than 1-thousand flood victims have had their homes repaired as part of the Shelter At Home program. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says this is a huge milestone for the program.

Cut 13 (10) “right direction”

Steele says they have seven contractors and several more subcontractors working on homes throughout the affected area. He says while this program may not be the right fit for everyone, it’s been an enormous help to those that are eligible for Shelter At Home.

cut 14 (10)  “of help”

Steele says the deadline to register for Shelter At Home is October 15. He says if you don’t have all the paperwork like a deed and a utility bill, you could still qualify as long as you get the initial application in on time.

Cut 15 (09) “you need”

A Lafayette man with a passion for peppers is trying to breed the hottest pepper in the world. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

================

Did the SEC drop the ball with the Florida/LSU game? Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (33)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

==============================================

Louisianans love their spicy food, so it’s no surprise that a Lafayette man with “a lot of passion and a little know how” is attempting to make the hottest pepper in the world. Self-professed pepper aficionado, Troy Primeaux, says his first pepper, the 7-Pot Primo, is arguably the hottest pepper in the world at 1.4 million Scoville Heat Units, but it’s technically second to the Carolina Reaper, which is 1.57 million SHU. But he says he’s working to make a pepper that’s even hotter- the Louisiana Creeper.

CUT 3 (12)  “the others”

Primeaux says the preliminary data looks good for the Louisiana Creeper to be the hottest pepper in the world at 2 million SHU or better. The pepper’s average heat will be determined by independent tests once it’s finished. But he says those that have tried it say the Louisiana Creeper will melt your face off.

CUT 4 (09)  “the fridge (laughs)”

Primeaux says he got started in pepper breeding when he gave up his life as a rock star to find a more family friendly hobby. He says he didn’t intend to make the world’s hottest pepper, it’s just something he stumbled into. But he says he’s always trying to push the envelope.

CUT 5 (09)  “why not”

==================================================

A lot of LSU fans feel the SEC completely dropped the ball for allowing the LSU/Florida game not to happen this weekend, as other games in the Sunshine State were easily moved while Hurricane Matthew approached. Stewart Mandel, college football writer for Fox Sports, says he doesn’t see why this marquee SEC matchup couldn’t have been moved…”

CUT 6 (10) “not gonna be rescheduled”

Mandel says this is particularly troubling because LSU is no stranger to being the displaced team. After Hurricane Katrina, the Tigers moved a game to Tempe to play Arizona State, and after Hurricane Rita moved a game to Monday night. He says then of course there was last year when Tiger Stadium played host to a flooded South Carolina home team…:

CUT 7 (10) “earlier in the week”

There is a feeling among the Tiger Nation that Florida  didn’t want to play the game because they’re banged up and didn’t want to risk a loss. Mandel says while Florida was being stubborn about the matter, he doesn’t think it was their hope that the game wouldn’t happen at all…:

CUT 8 (10) “what not”

==================================================

Federal and state agencies are combining forces to prosecute any cases of fraud as a result of the devastating flooding in August. The US Attorney’s Office along with the state Attorney General are leading the effort and have established a national center of disaster fraud hotline. AG Jeff Landry says they don’t want flood victims to fall prey to those who want to exploit the system.

CUT 9 (11) “low point” 

The national hotline number for victims of scams is 1 (866) 720-5721.Landry says on the AG website, there is a sample contract to use with contractors doing work on your home and gives some tips to protect yourself.

cut 10 (08)  “in writing”

With regards to the flooding in south Louisiana, they’ve already received more than 12-hundred complaints from those who say someone tried to take advantage of them. Landry says your smart phone can help prevent you from being a victim of fraud.

Cut 11 (10) “your contractor”

==================================================

Hurricane Matthew is causing destruction along the East Coast, and some of the models show it looping back around early next week in the direction of Florida. State climatologist Barry Keim says the models are all over the place on where the storm will go. He says there’s a chance Matthew could make it into the Gulf, but he doesn’t think it’s likely.

cut 12 (09) “southern Gulf”

Keim says Tropical Storm Nicole, which is south of Bermuda, could also affect Matthew’s path. He says there’s a small chance that the two storms could join forces like in 2005 with Hurricane Wilma and Tropical Storm Alpha.

Cut 13 (11)  “take place”

But Keim says that doesn’t seem likely at this point either. He says meteorologists are keeping an eye on the cyclones because it could go in any direction. He says for now, Louisiana looks to be in the clear.

cut 14 (09)  “Louisiana goes”

================================

Three members of the Jefferson Parish Council have called for Parish President Mike Yenni’s resignation in light of his admittance to sexting a 17-year-old boy. Legal analyst Tim Meche says he doesn’t see a mechanism for the council to force him to resign because while what Yenni did was morally questionable, he didn’t break any laws.

cut 15 (10) “that test”

Council members say Yenni owes parish residents an explanation. But Meche says Yenni hasn’t been charged with any federal or state crime, and he doesn’t expect that he will be. He says a petition could be started to recall Yenni out of office, but that’s very difficult to accomplish under Louisiana law.

cut 16 (08) “to resign”

===================================================

According to HauntWorld.com, the 13^th Gate is the third best haunted house in the country. Emelie Gunn has more….

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

With just over a month to go before the election, the 24 candidates in the US Senate race attempt to distinguish themselves. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

LSU is not heading to Florida to play the Gators this Saturday and there’s a good chance the game will never be played. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The 13^th Gate in Baton Rouge has been ranked the third scariest haunted house in the United States, according to HauntWorld.com. Owner and Designer of the 13^thGate Dwayne Sanburn says what makes it a unique haunted attraction is that they work on it all year round. He says they are known for their realistic detail and it becomes very scary for people in October when visiting the haunted house.

cut 4  (08)  “haunted house”

 This year the 13^th Gate will feature a flooded sewer filled with Jack the Ripper’s victims. Sanburn says visitors will encounter some of the best actors in the haunting industry during their walk through the haunted house. He says a lot goes in to putting these scary characters together.

Cut 5  (09)  “haunted house”

 The scariest haunted house in the country is the House of Torment in Austin, Texas and coming in second is the Netherworld in Atlanta. Sanburn says thousands of people from around the country visit Baton Rouge to go to the 13^thGate.

Cut 6 (09) “go through”

_____________________________________________

Saturday marks one month until election days, and political experts say the US Senate race is tightening in Louisiana. ULM political science professor Dr. John Sutherlin says campaign ads are starting to roll out, but mainly on the Republican side. He says the two major Democrats in the race Caroline Fayard and Foster Campbell are working on get out the vote campaigns.

CUT 7 (07)  “their base”

Sutherlin says Congressman Charles Boustany is already running ads attacking State Treasurer John Kennedy. He says more attack ads will come as we get closer to November 8^th.

Cut 8 (07) “strong candidate”

Sutherlin says Early Voting begins October 25^th and that will be a critical time for the 24 candidates running for US Senate.

Cut 9 (10)  “particular race”

____________________________________________________

The SEC announces the LSU-Florida game has been postponed because of Hurricane Matthew. LSU Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette says they offered Tiger Stadium as a host site for the game.

Cut 10 (07) “do whatever”

Tiger-rag-dot-com reports LSU offered its charter plane and buses to accommodate a possible relocation to Baton Rouge, as well as hotel accommodations and food. But The University of Florida was adamant that the game should be played in Gainesville and rejected LSU’s offer to host or travel elsewhere. Bonnette says the SEC will look to reshuffle some games so the LSU-Florida game happens this season, but he has his doubts.

cut 11 (10) “be possible”

Bonnette says the team is disappointed the game has been postponed, but they’ll just focus on getting ready for the Southern Miss game next week. But he says cancelling this game could impact SEC title implications later this season.

cut 12 (10) “championship game”

____________________________________________________

Republican Congressman Charles Boustany is outraged at an ad that he says was released by a third-party group supporting State Treasurer John Kennedy’s campaign. The ad alleges Boustany voted to send tax dollars to Iraq and Pakistan, which the commercial says are breeding grounds for terrorists. Boustany says the ad is completely untrue.

Cut 13 (08) “immediately”

The commercial is paid for by the ESA fund. They call themselves an organization that supports candidates who favor enhancing free enterprise, reducing the size of government and balancing our nation’s budget.  The ad also claims that one of Boustany’s biggest supporters is a company that builds weapons for Middle Eastern regimes. Boustany says the company they’re referring to is Swiftships, a company that employs 200 Louisianans in Morgan City.

cut 14 (10)  “their congressman” 

During a 12-minute conference call with reporters, Boustany went on the offensive, accusing Kennedy of raising campaign money as State Treasurer then laundered it through a Washington DC political group. He says it’s tragic that after losing previous senate races, Kennedy has to slander people to get himself a new job in politics.

Cut 15 (13) “to show for”

_________________________________________________

No LSU football game this weekend. The Tigers and Gators contest scheduled for Saturday has been postponed because of Hurricane Matthew. Interim Head Coach Ed Orgeron says the team is disappointed…

Cut 16  (14)  “move forward”

Orgeron says they’ll treat the postponement as a regular open date, which will give them a chance to focus on recruiting and game planning…

Cut 17 (11)  “as an advantage”

The SEC says there will be an attempt to move some games around and reschedule the game at a later date, but athletic director Joe Alleva says no one has contacted him about any schedule changes. If LSU wins the rest of its SEC games, not having this Florida game could hurt their chances of winning the West division. Orgeron says they can’t worry about that

Cut 18 (12) “you that”

LSU’s next game is October 15th at home against Southern Miss.

After a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors, Northwestern State University President Dr. Jim Henderson has been appointed president of the University of Louisiana System. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

================

It’s sugar cane grinding season in Louisiana and the harvest is expected to be up from last year. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

==============================================

The US Supreme Court has declined to hear former-New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin’s appeal of his 2014 public corruption conviction. Legal analyst Chick Foret says this means Nagin will have to serve out the remaining 8 years of his 10 year sentence, because there is no other court that can hear his appeal.

CUT 3 (08)  “were meritless”

Foret says it’s not surprising the Supreme Court refused to hear his case, because they only hear a few appeals every year, compared to the thousands of requests that come in. He says for the appeal to be heard, Nagin’s lawyers would have had to show there was irreversible error in the trial.

CUT 4 (11)  “sentencing guidelines”

Nagin was convicted on 20 counts of bribery, conspiracy, wire fraud, and filing false tax returns. Foret says Nagin was probably thought the nation’s highest court would hear his case after former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell’s corruption conviction was vacated by the Supreme Court.

CUT 5 (08)  “in this case”

Nagin is the first New Orleans mayor to be convicted of public corruption.

==================================================

It’s officially sugar cane grinding season in Louisiana and the harvest is expected to be better than last year. General Manager of the American Sugar Cane League in Thibodaux Jim Simon (see-moan) says it’s still early in the season but there are indications that the sugar content of the cane is very good. He says the mild winter last year really helped the crop get off to a good start.

CUT 6 (10) “continue growing”

Simon also contributes the success to good agriculture practices from farmers. He says prices are expected to go up half a cent from last year’s 24 cents a pound but…

CUT 7 (08) “nine months”

Sugar cane is a 3 billion dollar industry in Louisiana. Simon urges drivers on the road to be on the lookout because there will be an increased number of cane trucks on our highways.

CUT 8 (09) “loading sites”

==================================================

There are concerns that the potential damage Florida could receive from Hurricane Matthew could interfere with the federal disaster aid coming to Louisiana. But U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy doesn’t think so…

CUT 9 (07) “having problems” 

Louisiana has already received 500 million dollars in federal disaster aid and Governor Edwards has asked for 2.8 billion. Cassidy says Hurricane Matthew is creating a heightened awareness for a need to help communities who are having problems. Hepredicts Matthew will create a heightened awareness for a need to help storm-impacted communities…

cut 10 (08)  “little better”

Cassidy says Congress will return in December to discuss more financial flood relief for Louisiana and what will need to be done to help those impacted by Hurricane Matthew. He says it will be an important issues for federal lawmakers to discuss.

Cut 11 (04) “for relief”

==================================================

Northwestern State University President Dr. Jim Henderson will become the new president of the University of Louisiana System, after the Board of Supervisors unanimously appointed him to the positon. Henderson says he’ll look to reverse the 10 year decline in state funding of higher ed.

cut 12 (12) “we serve”

Henderson says Louisiana ranks 16^th out of 16 southern states for the resources available per student. He says he looks forward to working with the legislature to resolve many of the issues universities and students are facing. He added that he has healthy relationships with many Louisiana lawmakers.

Cut 13 (09)  “really enjoy”

Henderson says he wants to see more student involvement at the system level to give students a voice in the policy decision making. He says he would also like to have a more hands on relationship with students throughout the UL system.

cut 14 (09)  “that’s important”

================================

LSU announces the search has begun to find a new live mascot to replace the ailing Mike VI. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

The new president of the University of Louisiana system has all but been selected, as there is only one candidate for the position. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

As Hurricane Mathew churns towards the Florida coast, University of Florida officials say they will not move Saturday’s LSU-Florida game out of Gainesville. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

In the wake of heartbreaking news that Mike the Tiger’s cancer is spreading, LSU announces the search is on for a new live mascot. Mike’s veterinarian Dr. David Baker says they intend to find a young male tiger in need of a good home. He says many times the government places animals in sanctuaries and doesn’t provide the fund for their care.

cut 4  (09)  “will take”

Baker says in 2007, it took about three months to find Mike VI, who was originally named Roscoe and living at the Great Cats of Indiana. He says they will focus on finding the tiger that’s best for LSU to become Mike VII.

Cut 5  (09)  “wildlife conservation”

But Manager of Captive Wildlife Protection with the Humane Society, Debra Leahy, says the university will be fueling the exotic animal trade, if they get a new tiger. She says no reputable facility would turn over a tiger to be used as a mascot.

Cut 6 (06) “somewhere”

Leahy says sanctuaries take in tigers for the purpose of giving them lifetime care, not to pass them along to someone else. She says the Humane Society has started a petition to end the live mascot program because it would be tragic, if LSU contributes to the cruel animal trade industry.

CUT 7 (10)  “deficient diet”

_____________________________________________

Northwestern State University President Jim Henderson is expected to become the new president of the University of Louisiana System, as he is the only candidate that will go before the Board of Supervisors today. Henderson says if selected for the position, there are some obvious problems he plans to tackle.

Cut 8 (11) “address that”

Henderson says if the job didn’t allow him to continue to work with Northwestern, he wouldn’t even consider it. He says he has immense love for the Natchitoches school, as he and his wife, Tonia, both graduated from NSU, but he says he has ties to many Louisiana universities.

Cut 9 (11)  “Southeastern grad”

Henderson has been the Northwestern president since January of 2015. He says he wants to do what he can to provide more opportunities for students in Louisiana.

Cut 10 (07) “that direction”

____________________________________________________

The federal government has set a goal for zero traffic fatalities within the next 30 years. The Transportation Department has outlined a plan that includes increasing seatbelt use and more rumble strips. Louisiana Highway Safety Commissioner Dr. Katara Williams says that’s the perfect ultimate goal, because even one traffic fatality is one too many.

cut 11 (08) “slight increases”

Williams says the first step to reducing these deaths is raising awareness about safe driving habits. She says drivers must put down their cellphones when they’re behind the wheel, buckle up, and never drive drunk.

cut 12 (09) “right choices”

The federal transportation department says self-driving cars and other new technologies could make zero fatal crashes possible. Williams believes autonomous vehicles could play a role in safer highways. But she says it’s too early to tell just yet, as many of these self-driving cars are still in the prototype phase.

Cut 13 (08) “our highways”

____________________________________________________

The University of Florida announces that Saturday’s LSU-Florida game will not be moved out of Gainesville, even as Hurricane Matthew is approaches the Sunshine State. But it’s still up in the air on whether or not the 11am kickoff will have to be delayed. LSU’s Sports Information Director, Michael Bonnette, says they expect to have more information by noon today.

cut 14 (07)  “to do” 

Bonnette says they’re doing their best to keep Tiger fans in the loop about game decisions. He says they are looking at all of their options, but the safety of the fans and the players is most important.

Cut 15 (08) “in Gainesville”

Bonnette says delaying the kickoff could pose problems for airing the game on television. He says the Gators are not interested in playing the game in Tiger Stadium, but they may have to consider moving to a neutral location.

Cut 16  (09)  “into this”

_________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech hosts Western Kentucky in a big Conference USA matchup at Joe Aillet Stadium tonight. The Hilltoppers are considered one of the favorites to win the league and they have won 12 straight conference games. Tech Coach Skip Holtz says it’s important Bulldog nation comes out tonight, because they need that homefield advantage…

Cut 17 (13)  “the belt”

The Bulldogs were the alst team to defeat the Hilltoppers in league play, when they defeated W-K-U in 2014. Western Kentucky comes into this game as one of the top passing teams in the league. Holtz says it’s impressive to see them move the football…

Cut 18 (16) “offensively”

This team features the top two wide receivers in the conference, Trent Taylor for Louisiana Tech adn Taywan Taylor for Western Kentucky. Holtz says Bulldogs running back Jarred Craft of Haughton could have a major impact in this game

Cut 19 (19)   “…really well”

LSU’s live mascot Mike VI’s cancer has spread throughout his body, according to his veterinarian Dr. David Baker. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

================

Research by the Associated Press and the Center for Public Integrity finds Louisiana has more opioid prescriptions than residents. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

==============================================

Mike the Tiger’s veterinarian announces the live mascot’s cancer has spread throughout his body. Dr. David Baker says based on a CT scan, they believe Mike has one to two months to live.

CUT 3 (11)  “radiation”

Baker says currently, Mike VI is behaving very normally and his appetite has returned after treatment for a sinus infection due to a tumor. He says their current plan gives the LSU community time to say their goodbyes to the beloved mascot.

CUT 4 (11)  “hospice care”

LSU has already instructed Baker to begin the search for a young tiger to become Mike VII. Baker says there is no way to know when Mike VI will permanently retire to his night house and assures they will not let him suffer. He says he’s been questioned about Mike’s radiation treatment and believes it did what it was supposed to do.

CUT 5 (08)  “its behavior”

==================================================

There are more opioid prescriptions in Louisiana than there are residents. That’s according to research by the Associated Press and the Center for Public Integrity. Medical Director with the state Office of Public Health, Dr. David Holcombe, says it’s a problem in the Deep South, as Louisiana is one of 8 states with a high rate of prescriptions per resident. He says part of the problem is that it’s easier for doctors to write a prescription.

CUT 6 (07) “the math”

Louisiana’s opioid prescription rate was 1.03 per capita in 2015, and Tennessee, West Virginia, Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Kentucky also had rates higher than 1. Holcombe says pharmaceutical companies push these pills as being safer than they really are. He says there’s also a problem with patient demand.

CUT 7 (09) “be tolerated”

Holcombe says when they crackdown on over prescribing these pills, many people who have become addicted will switch to heroin because it’s cheaper and more readily available. He says a simple solution would be for doctors to check their patients’ prescription history.

CUT 8 (09) “and so forth”

Holcombe doesn’t expect doctors to be eager to do these checks because it would be another hassle on their to-do list.

==================================================

Angry Jefferson Parish residents spoke out at a council meeting today urging Parish President Mike Yenni to resign. There are multiple allegations claiming while Yenni was the mayor of Kenner, he sent a 17-year-old boy sexually explicit texts and kissed the teen in a public bathroom then gave him designer underwear. Resident Richard Brown maintains Yenni offered that teen a job.

CUT 9 (06) “credit card” 

A spokesperson for Yenni said he would have something to say soon, but not today. Kenner resident and a mother of two boys, Stacy Alessandro, says she’s disappointed Yenni wasn’t at the meeting to refute these allegations. She says his silence speaks volumes.

cut 10 (07)  “in hiding”

Another Jefferson Parish resident says this is humiliating for the entire parish. She urges the council to take whatever action is need and hopes Yenni will speak out about these claims.

Cut 11 (10) “don’t hide”

==================================================

An unrestrained 19-year-old was killed in a single vehicle crash after her vehicle was split in half in Catahoula Parish. State Police Trooper Scott Moreau says police responded to a crash in Harrisonburg, yesterday morning involving, Reagan Rainey of Jonesville, who lost control of her vehicle and hit a tree.

cut 12 (11) “in half”

Moreau says State Police doesn’t see too many crashes were a vehicle is split in half, but when they do, speed is typically a factor.

Cut 13 (10)  “as well”

Moreau says police are out enforcing speed and seat belt laws because it can be a recipe for disaster like this.

cut 14 (07)  “correct way”

================================

A fake news article alleges the mayor of DeQuincy in Calcasieu parish fired a firefighter for praying at the scene of a fire. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Former mayor of Alexandria, Ned Randolph, passes away at 74 for Alzheimer’s. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Today the last shelter for south Louisiana flood victims will close, almost two months after the historic flood. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The City of DeQuincy in Calcasieu parish is once again the subject of a satire news article, this time alleging that the mayor fired a firefighter for praying at the scene of a fire. Mayor Lawrence Henagan says that couldn’t be further from the truth.

cut 4  (08)  “alongside him”

Henagan says the article also claimed he was a black female, when he is neither. He says he’s not sure why his town is being mentioned in stories like this.

Cut 5  (11)  “like that”

DeQuincy has been featured in a variety of similar articles, claiming everything from twerking bans to giving kids guns at school. Henagan says he tries to take all of the fake articles with a grain of salt.

Cut 6 (08) “about it”

_____________________________________________

Ned Randolph, former Alexandria Mayor, has passed away from Alzheimer’s at the age of 74. Randolph was a five term mayor, serving the city from 1986 to 2006. Current Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy says Randolph left his imprint everywhere in central Louisiana and treated everyone with decency.

CUT 7 (09)  “about him”

In the 20 years that Randolph was mayor, I-49 was built through the city and the Alexandria Riverfront Center opened. Roy says the former beloved mayor came into office at a very tumultuous time.

Cut 8 (11) “him credit”

When Randolph was mayor, he appointed Alexandria’s first black police chief. Roy says Randolph fought his disease as hard as he could. He says he had great plans for the town of Alexandria and will be missed greatly.

Cut 9 (08)  “to him”

____________________________________________________

Congressman Charles Boustany is taking legal action against the author of “Murder in the Bayou” for making claims that the US Senate candidate was involved with prostitutes who were murdered in Jefferson Davis parish. Boustany’s attorney Jimmy Faircloth says they filed a lawsuit to defend his integrity and the honor of his family.

Cut 10 (10) “published them”

Brown has said he stands by what is written in the book. But Faircloth says the allegations have been reported numerous times as fact, even though no one has been able to independently verify the claims. He doesn’t believe it’s a coincidence the book was published shortly after Boustany announced his candidacy for Senate.

cut 11 (09) “the truth”

The book alleges that Boustany spent a lot of time at a Jennings motel soliciting prostitutes. The claims in the book cited two unidentified sex workers and an unnamed witness. Faircloth says he doesn’t believe anyone was able to confirm these allegations, before they were published in the book.

cut 12 (10) “shame on em”

____________________________________________________

Nearly two months after the historic flood in south Louisiana, the last remaining shelter for flood victims is closing today at noon. Red Cross spokesperson Todd James says they will help anyone who is still in the Baton Rouge shelter at Celtic Studios find their next place to go.

Cut 13 (07) “next step”

James says as of yesterday there were still 69 people in the Celtic Studios shelter, but many of them are moving out before noon today. He says flood victims faced a variety of struggles in finding a place to call home after the flood.

cut 14 (08)  “new homes” 

James says they’ve been working diligently to help these flood victims at the shelter find another living arrangement as quickly as possible. He says they’ve reached the point, where they can leave the movie studios, so Celtic can get back to work.

Cut 15 (08) “their business”

_________________________________________________

In four games this season, LSU starting quarterback Danny Etling has thrown just one interception. He goes up against a Florida defense this Saturday that has picked off eight passes. Etling says the Gators have a very talented defense…

Cut 16  (16)  “be easy”

LSU will face Florida at 11 AM on Saturday. The former Purde quarterback says he’s used to early kickoffs from his days in the Big Ten…

Cut 17 (11)  “entire week”

Saturday’s game could be a low scoring affair. Florida has allowed just seven touchdowns, while LSU has given up five. Tigers senior linebacker Kendell Beckwith says the fewer the touchdowns allowed, the better the chances for victory….

Cut 18 (15) “we can be”

_____________________________________________________________

After playing three straight games on the road, ULM returns to Malone Stadium on Saturday night to host Idaho. Warhawks Coach Matt Viator says he’s impressed with Vandals offense, which is led by junior quarterback Matt Linehan

Cut 19 (13)     “they do”

Last week, ULM lost to auburn 58-7. Viator says for them to have success this Saturday, they’ll need to tackle better…

Cut 20 (19) “on plays”