Many flood victims in the Baton Rouge area are choosing to sell their flood damaged homes as is. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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 The federal Bureau of Economic Analysis released numbers showing two of the nation’s fastest growing economies are in Louisiana but there’s also two metro areas considered the worst. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A summer for the weather record books comes to an end today. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Today is the final day of what was a hot and wet summer. Alek Krautmann with the National Weather Service in Slidell says it goes down as one of the warmest summers on record for several Louisiana cities and in New Orleans it was the warmest summer on record since 1947. He says a very warm Gulf of Mexico is to blame.

cut 4  (10)  “temperatures”

Krautmann says our warm summer fits into the trend of an incredibly warm summer across the country, which could be the hottest summer nationwide. He says Louisiana also saw a very wet summer, with Baton Rouge experiencing the wettest one on record.

Cut 5  (11)  “was received”

Krautmann says heavy rains are another result of the warm Gulf of Mexico.

Cut 6 (10) “downpours”

_____________________________________________

More and more south Louisiana flood victims are selling their flood damaged homes to investors as is. Baton Rouge area realtor Ginger Maulden says the category “Currently Damaged” is being used to help flood victims track and sell their homes. She says the listing will be especially helpful to investors.

CUT 7 (08)  “it later”

Maulden says several homes in this category have already sold, and all of them were cash buys from investors. She says they expect the number of homes in the listing group to continue to grow.

Cut 8 (08) “already sold”

Maulden says she believes this category will be useful for at least another year or two. She says there are a lot of flood victims who still don’t know what they’re going to do with their flood damaged homes.

Cut 9 (11)  “market area”

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Louisiana has two of the country’s fastest growing economies, while also having two of the fastest-shrinking, according to data from the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis. Baton Rouge grew by over 5-percent and Lake Charles grew by about 8-percent. LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott says right now, Lake Charles has almost 100 billion dollars in industrial announcements…

Cut 10 (10) “one place”

Scott says Baton Rouge has about 10 billion dollars in projects. He says these growths are primarily going on in the chemical industry and the liquefied natural gas export sector.

cut 11 (11) “in Asia”

The numbers released show Houma-Thibodaux has the nation’s second worst economy, shrinking nearly 8-percent and Lafayette shrunk four-percent. Scott says these drops are linked to the oil bust. He says back in 2014, there were about 56 rigs operating in the Gulf of Mexico, now there are less than 15…

cut 12 (10) “gas industry”

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A multi-agency investigation in Terrebonne parish has led to 29 arrests in just four days. State Trooper Jesse LaGrange says state police partnered with several narcotics agencies in Terrebonne parish to identify and target criminals in the wake of increased gun violence. He says they used street level enforcement, undercover operations and fugitive warrant services to find the violators.

Cut 13 (08) “an arrest”

Eighteen of the arrests were for felony charges. LaGrange says they also seized 388 grams of marijuana, 6 grams of crack cocaine, 5 grams of heroin, and various prescription pills. He says they recovered 6 guns, two of which were stolen, and over $6-thousand during the investigation.

cut 14 (08)  “the streets”

The multi-agency partnership was nicknamed “Operation Carpe Platearum,” which means seize the streets. LaGrange says the public plays an important role in identifying criminal suspects and encourages anyone with information about criminal activity to report it.

Cut 15 (08) “website”

_______________________________________________________

18th ranked LSU is getting ready for an Auburn team struggling on offense. The War Eagles have scored a total of 29 points against the two Power 5 teams they’ve played this year. Tigers Defensive Coordinator Dave Aranda says the big challenge for his players is all of the formations Auburn uses…

Cut 16  (12)  “main points”

Senior defensive back Tre’Davious White has flourished in Aranda’s defense. Through three games, he’s already had an interception, a fumble recovery and a sack. White is playing more nickel back this season and Aranda says it’s because he’s a smart football player…

Cut 17 (13)  “great nickel”

Linebacker Kendell Beckwith and safety Jamal Adams are two of LSU’s leading tacklers. Aranda says believes those two can be bigger playmakers as the season goes along…

Cut 18 (16) “matched up”

Dukes of Hazzard star John Schnieder, who lives and has a studio in Livingston Parish, is enraged with the cleanup process after the flooding. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

Louisiana has the second highest rate of women who are killed by men, according to a study by the Violence Policy Center. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Brown tap water has been flowing from faucets in the City of Oak Grove in West Carroll parish for years, and city officials are taking action to get clean water. Mayor Adam Holland says he and some city council members toured America Water and Waste’s facility last week to find out what is causing the discoloration in the water.

CUT 3 (11)  “should be”

Holland says during his meeting with the company owners last week, he informed them that he is executing the 120 day termination clause in their contract. But he wants to give the company the city has been with since 2002 one more chance.

CUT 4 (08)  “the meeting”

Holland says some of the issues they want addressed are the joints at the plant that need to be replaced and better transparency between the company and the city. He says most importantly they just want clean, clear drinking water.

CUT 5 (09)  “my pipes”

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

Movie star John Schneider is upset with the cleanup process south Louisiana has seen after the historic flooding. Schneider has a studio and home in Holden and another property on the Amite River, which were all flooded. The Dukes of Hazzard actor says a month later, he still sees mountains and mountains of trash on the road…

CUT 6 (10) “their roadway”

The Livingston Parish Office of Emergency Management says there is still over one million cubic yards of trash that needs to be collected. Schneider says seeing the trash every day is a constant reminder of some kind of failure. He says we pay our taxes for debris removal yet we still don’t seem important enough for FEMA to take some sort of action.

CUT 7 (10) “and uncaring”

Schneider says Louisiana was in the news this summer for tragic shootings, but the flooding even hasn’t gotten the attention of our government. He says the debris removal process should’ve begun immediately after people removed their water logged belongings from their home.

CUT 8 (11) “failed system”

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

A new study from the Violence Policy Center finds Louisiana ranks second in the country for the rate of women who are murdered by men. VPC Legislative Director, Kristen Rand, says this is the sixth year in a row that Louisiana has made the top 10. She says that may have something to do with the state’s gun laws.

CUT 9 (09) “with firearms”

Alaska was the only state with a higher rate of women murdered by men. Rand says black women are at a higher risk than white women because 29 of the 51 females murdered by men in 2014 were African American. She says in most cases, the woman has a relationship with the attacker.

cut 10 (11)  “the perpetrator”

In 2014, the Louisiana passed a law that prevents convicted domestic abusers from purchasing a gun for ten years after the completion of their probation, but the law doesn’t require them to surrender their weapons. She says Louisiana needs to keep passing laws to protect domestic violence victims.

Cut 11 (09) “volatile situations”

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The Louisiana Community and Technical College system had another record setting year in 2015-16. Collectively, 28,853 students graduated from a community and technical college, up over 6000 from the prior year. LCTCS president Monty Sullivan says it’s great to see students that are completing programs in high demand fields…:

cut 12 (09) “technical colleges”

The WISE fund was created in 2014. It allocates $40 million dollars to higher ed in Louisiana, and $12 million to two-year colleges. Sullivan says dollars from the WISE fund and private company matches were instrumental in getting them to the numbers they’ve seen the past year…:

Cut 13 (11)  “fields”

Graduates from across Louisiana earned credentials in programs that are critical economic drivers such as computer science, process technology, construction crafts, engineering technology, industrial production, allied health, manufacturing and accounting. Sullivan says these are also critical to Louisiana families…:

cut 14 (09)  “progress”

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The Louisiana Department of Health has issued a water advisory for the Bouge Chitto River after six million gallons sewage was released into the waterway. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

The body of a missing 6-year-old was found in a pond early this morning. Michelle Southern has the tragic story…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Authorities say a dangerous, escaped Assumption parish inmate has been captured. Lonny Cavalier with the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office says on Sunday night they got a call from the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office with some good news about 44-year-old Drake Domangue of Houma.

CUT 3 (09)  “go next”

Cavalier says Domangue is wanted by Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes for felony charges and parole violations. He says the inmate also has numerous traffic violations, and he was being held in Assumption parish on several charges.

CUT 4 (08)  “related charges”

Cavalier says Domangue was able to escape Wednesday while he was being transferred from the Assumption Parish Detention Center to St. Mary parish for mental health evaluation and treatment. He says upon arrival at the mental health facility, Domangue escaped from deputies.

CUT 5 (12)  “to escape”

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

The Louisiana Department of Health issues a recreational water advisory for the Bouge Chitto River in St. Tammany Parish after a levee breach at the Brookhaven, Mississippi sewage plant released six million gallons of storm water diluted sewage. State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says the Department of Environment Quality is testing the water, but people should stay out of the river.

CUT 6 (09) “an infection”

Guidry warns people that microorganisms can enter the body through the mouth, nose, eyes, ears and open wounds. He says it will take at least a week to know exactly what we’re dealing with as the contamination travels through the entire length of the river.

CUT 7 (09) “that sewage”

Guidry advises people not to swim near drainage pipes and avoid ingesting water. He says the levee breach has now been fixed.

CUT 8 (09) “as well”

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

The body of a missing 6-year-old autistic boy was found early this morning in Lafayette Parish. Youngsville Police Chief Ricky Boudreaux says Keaton Jones was reported missing yesterday afternoon. He says the child was tragically discovered a little after 4am in a pond near his home.

CUT 9 (06) “to frequent”

Boudreaux says Keaton was known to wander and left the home yesterday afternoon through a door to the garage that was left open. He says Keaton was autistic and nonverbal and liked being around water.

cut 10 (10)  “into the water”

Boudreaux says the family and neighbors searched for Keaton for two hours before calling the authorities. When police arrived they enlisted the help of several other agencies. He says they had a feeling he was near the pond, but initial searches turned up nothing.

Cut 11 (11) “negative results”

Boudreaux says after the dive and sonar didn’t find him, they began draining the pond and found Keaton.

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

Almost 95-percent of Livingston parish students showed up for the first day back to class September 12th after the historic flood. Livingston School Superintendent Rick Wentzel says more than 24-thousand students returned to school last week. He says they were pleasantly surprised at the turnout.

cut 12 (10) “450 kids”

Less than 6-percent of last year’s October 1 enrollment count missed the first day back. Wentzel says there were some areas that had lower first day turnouts than others, as a lot of students had to transfer to other schools in the district.

Cut 13 (08)  “their enrollment”

Wentzel says even the hardest hit schools are only down about 20-percent in enrollment. Southside Elementary reportedly had the lowest enrollment, down about one-third over last year. He says the high percentage of students are back in the classroom is a testament to the community and the school system.

cut 14 (07)  “to school”

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

Two Louisiana chefs are on the way to Japan, where they will cook gumbo for the US Ambassador of Japan at the Mississippi River Country reception. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has seized an Acadia Parish woman’s spider monkey and she’s fighting to get her pet back. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing has been ranked the 9^th best nursing school in the nation. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (26) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Two Louisiana chefs are travelling to Japan today to cook gumbo for the US Ambassador of Japan, Caroline Kennedy, and others as part of the Mississippi River Country reception. Samantha Carroll and her husband, Cody, own Hot Tails in New Roads and Sac-a-Lait restaurant in New Orleans. Carroll says this will be a great opportunity to get Louisiana products in the hands of chefs abroad.

cut 4  (12)  “in Louisiana”

Carroll says cooking gumbo in another country presents an interesting challenge because some ingredients, like filé, are hard to find overseas. She says they’ve been trying to find out what ingredients they can find and which ones they’ll have to bring with them.

Cut 5  (10)  “southern region”

Carroll says she and her husband will cook gumbo for the guests at the trade show convention, using Louisiana seafood and ingredients. She says during their ten-day trip, they’ll also judge a gumbo cook off.

Cut 6 (08) “judging it”

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An Acadia Parish woman is fighting to get her spider monkey back after he was seized by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Justine Quinn of Church Point says she has owned Darwin, the monkey, for over 13 years. A state law was passed in 2006 requiring a permit to own exotic animals, but Quinn says she was grandfathered in because she owned Darwin before the law was passed. She says he was seized once before in 2014.

CUT 7 (08)  “my care”

Quinn says it took four months to get Darwin back the first time, and he was emaciated and had cuts all over his hands. She says she’s worried the same thing will happen again, especially because another woman’s primate died while in LDWF’s care.

Cut 8 (12) “their care”

Quinn says after she got Darwin back in 2014, the judge gave her a court order to let her keep him until the matter was settled. But she says last Friday LDWF came back for Darwin again.

Cut 9 (09)  “of Louisiana”

Quinn says she is seeking legal action to get Darwin back. L-D-W-F is not commenting on the matter.

________________________________________________________

The LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing has been ranked the ninth best nursing school in the country by the Nursing Schools Almanac. Dr. Demetrius Porche, Dean of the School of Nursing, says this is a great honor. He says this review is a testament to the dedication of the facility and staff’s commitment to a culture of excellence.

Cut 10 (11) “nursing education”

The school also ranked number 5 among public nursing schools and second in the Southeast region. Porche says this is very meaningful to have the Nursing Schools Almanac give the school this kind of rating. He says the key factors to the rating are…

cut 11 (09) “default rate”

Porche says this is a significant ranking because not many nursing schools in the South receive this recognition.

cut 12 (10) “our program”

_______________________________________________________

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser announces the Louisiana Office of Tourism has been named the 2016 State Tourism Office of the Year by the Southeast Tourism Society. Nungesser says he’s so proud of the award, but more proud of all the great people who work in the tourism industry. He says they want to get more people involved in promoting the Bayou State to tourists.

Cut 13 (08) “their own”

This is the second time L-O-T has won this award, as the office also won in 2013, and it celebrates the fourth consecutive year of record breaking tourism in Louisiana. Nungesser says they want to keep that trend going. He says for the 100 year anniversary of the National Park System, they’ll promote the great outdoors of the Bayou State, coupled with all the other things our state has to offer.

cut 14 (06)  “Mardi Gras beads”

L-O-T runs a variety of campaigns to find more ways to boost tourism. During National Tourism Week, Nungesser met with people in tourism around the state to highlight all the attractions in every corner of Louisiana. He says there’s so many great things to see, and not enough money to promote them all.

Cut 15 (06) “to offer”

L-O-T has also created a series of videos featuring different places in the state to go, things to see, and places to eat as part of their Go.See.Eat campaign, generating more than 83-thousand views in three months.

_______________________________________________________

What appeared to be an easy win on Saturday in Tiger Stadium, became a nerve racking victory for LSU as they had to hold on to a 23-20 victory over Mississippi State. The Bulldogs scored two touchdowns in a 40-second span to give State a chance at stealing a win in Death Valley. Coach Les Miles wishes his team would have finished stronger.

Cut 16  (18)  “to Auburn”

After missing the Jacksonville State game with an injury, LSU running back Leonard Fournette returned to the field and rushed for 147 yards and two touchdowns. But fumbled twice, which kept the Bulldogs in the game. Miles says his star running back will get better with hanging on to the ball…

Cut 17 (16)  “forefront”

A key to LSU’s win was the six sacks they had on the night. Sophomore Arden Key had two of them…

Cut 18 (12) “we know”

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It’s a tough start to the season for the Saints. After dropping a one-point loss in the season opener, New Orleans lost another tight contest yesterday. Giants kicker Josh Brown’s 23-yard field goal with no time left gave New York a 16-13 win over the Saints. Coach Sean Payton says the difference in this game was a block field goal that led to a 65-yard return for a touchdown by the Giants Janoris Jenkins…

Cut 19 (19) “needed to play”

NFL teams that start 0-2, usually don’t make the playoffs. New Orleans returns home to play Atlanta on Monday night and Payton says his team will keep fighting…

Cut 20 (20) “getting it done”

CenturyLink has announced plans for companywide layoffs. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

A naked man was shot after trespassing in a Lafayette man’s backyard. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (21)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Monroe-based CenturyLink announces companywide layoffs. CenturyLink spokesperson Annmarie Sartor says after careful consideration the telecommunications company has made the difficult decision to reduce its employee related costs. She says in order to reduce its workforce, they are seeking employees who are looking to leave the company voluntarily.

CUT 3 (12)  “method training”

Sartor says because they are starting with voluntary layoffs, they are not sure on the local impact. But she says if they do not reach their goal, they will have to begin involuntary layoffs. She says the company has about 43-thousand employees globally.

CUT 4 (08)  “headcount”

The reduction could be about 35-hundred employees throughout the company. CenturyLink is known for their landline phone service. Sartor says technology advancements have led to changes.

CUT 5 (11)  “revenue streams”

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

A Denham Springs man has died after hitting a horse in the road. State Trooper Bryan Lee says one of their troopers came upon the accident around 1 am.

CUT 6 (08) “the roadway”

Lee says 24-year-old Joshua Marange was killed in the accident. He says Marange was driving down US 190 in Livingston parish when he struck a horse that was standing in the eastbound lane. He says the crash did substantial damage to Marange’s vehicle.

CUT 7 (10) “as well”

Marange says impairment is not suspected to be a factor, but toxicology results are pending. He says they are still trying to locate the owner of the horse. He says drivers can call *LSP to report hazards in the roadway.

CUT 8 (10) “contact us”

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A Lafayette homeowner fatally shot a naked man who was holding a gun in his backyard this morning. Cpl. Bridgette Dugas says authorities received a call around 8 a.m. about someone trespassing on Fanny Street and they are working to determine why the man was naked in the yard.

CUT 9 (06) “it as”

Dugas says the naked suspect did not fire his weapon and was pronounced dead at the scene.

cut 10 (07)  “gun fire”

Dugas says they have not yet determined the identity of the suspect and are in the process of questioning the homeowner.

Cut 11 (08) “after that” 

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Baton Rouge first responders rescued a teenager from a chimney this morning after he decided to skip school. BRPD Cpl. L’Jean McKneely says the homeowner called the police when she heard someone calling for help inside her chimney…

cut 12 (09) “detention”

The 15-year-old has been charged with attempted burglary of an inhabited dwelling. Cops say also has a criminal record. McKneely says hopefully they can prevent this teen from doing something like this again because his life was in danger.

Cut 13 (11)  “in chimneys”

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The Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2017 nominees are out, and former New Orleans Saint Darren Sharper, who is in jail on rape charges, is on the list. The choice comes as bit of a surprise to some. The Hall of Fame site doesn’t factor character as criteria for nominations, but these people we spoke with don’t feel Sharper should have been chosen…:

cut 14 (13)  “everything he did”

Sharper has admitted he raped three women in New Orleans in 2013 before sexually assaulting six more women in three other states, and has been sentenced to serve 20 years in jail. A selection committee still has to meet in February to vote on who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. These people say Sharper does not deserve the distinction…:

cut 15 (06) “what he done”

Louisiana has the third highest poverty rate in the nation, according to new census data. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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The ACLU of Louisiana says they are getting reports about students being punished for sitting during the Pledge of Allegiance. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Department of Transpiration Secretary Shawn Wilson is travelling the state in an 18-wheeler this week for National Truck Driver Awareness Week. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The statewide average for a gallon of gas is $2 a gallon. Don Redman with AAA expects that trend to continue as refineries transition to the less expensive winter-grade gasoline. He says there may be a slight price increase in October though.

cut 4  (09)  “the consumer”

Redman says after the October uptick, cheaper gasoline and lower demand should bring gas prices back down. He expects prices to hover around $2 a gallon for the remainder of the year.

Cut 5  (07)  “for gasoline”

Redman says demand will likely go up for the holidays. He says so far every holiday of 2016 has seen record high demand for gas.

Cut 6 (07) “and December”

_______________________________________________

New census data finds Louisiana has the third highest poverty rate in the country. Demographer Greg Rigamer says Louisiana’s median household income of about $45-thousand is well below the national average, which is over $55-thousand.

CUT 7 (07)  “poorest states”

Louisiana has the 6^th lowest median household income. The national median income increased by 3.8% from 2014-15, while Louisiana’s only went up by 2.5%. Rigamer says the poverty rate is almost 20-percent in Louisiana, and decreased slightly over the past year.

Cut 8 (09) “the nation”

The national poverty rate is just under 15%, almost 5% lower than the rate in the Pelican State. Rigamer says with an average income that’s 20% less than the nationwide average, it’s not surprising the Louisiana poverty rate is so high.

Cut 9 (09)  “nation either”

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The ACLU of Louisiana says they are getting reports about students being punished for sitting during the Pledge of Allegiance. Executive Director Marjorie Esman says they sent a letter to the superintendents of all Louisiana public school districts reminding them about the First Amendment:

Cut 10 (10) “stand for the pledge”

Esman believes this may have to do with students becoming more aware of their right because San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is making news right now because he sits during the national anthem. She says nobody can be forced to stand for the Pledge, salute the flag or anything of that nature…:

cut 11 (09) “everybody has”

Esman says they’ve heard that students are at least being threatened with detention if they refuse to stand for the Pledge again. She says they sent the letter to ensure that everyone’s rights are being protected and what this country stands for…:

cut 12 (09) “what makes us free”

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This week is National Tuck Driver Awareness Week. Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says there have been several wrecks involving truck drivers around the state recently. He says the most important thing we can do to make the roads safer for everyone is bring attention to the issue.

Cut 13 (12) “with you”

Wilson says he’s been riding in an 18-wheeler around the state all week to see what it’s like to be behind the wheel of a big truck. He says a lot of drivers like to take advantage of the fact that trucks can’t speed up as quickly in traffic, but that can be dangerous.

cut 14 (08)  “accidents”

Wilson says it’s up to everyone on the road to drive safely, not just truckers. He says a crash involving an 18-wheeler is more dangerous and more disruptive than accidents involving smaller vehicles.

Cut 15 (10) “clean up”

Wilson says most of the things we buy are transported by big trucks, and people should all be appreciative of the important job trucks have in moving commerce.

_______________________________________________________

Two years ago, Haughton native Dak Prescott led Mississippi State to an upset win over the LSU Tigers in Death Valley. The Bulldogs will look to do it again tomorrow night when they visit the Bayou Bengals. Prescott now plays for the Cowboys, but the “Voice of the Tigers” Chris Blair says State brings another talented dual-threat quarterback to Tiger Stadium in Nick Fitzgerald

Cut 16  (11)  “key on”

Danny Etling is the likely starter at quarterback for LSU. Etling will face a Bulldogs defense that allowed 285 yards through the air in a season-opening loss to South Alabama. Blair says 3 of the 4 starting defensive backs for the Bulldogs are first-time starters

Cut 17 (10)  “the secondary”

Etling had immediate success when he came off the bench last week against Jacksonville State. But Blair says the transfer from Purdue faces a much bigger challenge in his first start in Tiger Stadium…

Cut 18 (20) “thus far”

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Two weeks ago, Louisiana Tech nearly upset Arkansas, tomorrow they get a chance against another Power 5 school when they visit Texas Tech. Through two games, the Red Raiders are averaging nearly 587 passing yards. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz says Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been outstanding…

Cut 19 (23) “elusive”

Senior Ryan Higgins will make his second start of the year after throwing for 409 yards in a win over South Carolina State last week. Higgins was also intercepted twice and Holtz wants his Q-B to make smarter decisions…

Cut 20 (17) “down the field”

Four of the 18-thousand homes that have registered for the Shelter At Home program have been repaired. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Flood victims testified at a meeting of the Senate Small Business Committee this morning to voice their concerns about the federal flood response. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

Construction has only been completed on four flood victims’ homes as part of the new Shelter At Home program. Deputy Chief of Staff for the Governor’s Office, Julie Baxter Payer, says she expects that number to rise quickly over the next few days. She says with so many people registered for the program, it’s taking a while to get to them all.

CUT 3 (08)  “as possible”

Payer says 357 homes are under construction now, while 850 are in the process of getting work orders. She says the program is only a few weeks old so they had to get their team put together. She says initially they had five contractors, but they are hiring more.

CUT 4 (10)  “the homeowners”

Payer says over 12-hundred homes have been inspected, and more than 2-thousand inspections are scheduled. She says an additional 14-hundred homes are ready to be inspected. She says once construction beings, the homeowners can get back in their homes soon after.

CUT 5 (07)  “these days”

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An arrest has been made in the case of the elderly couple found murdered in a barn near their Avoyelles parish home. Chief Deputy Steven Martel with the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office says the couple’s grandson, 28-year-old Michael Mayeaux, has been charged with two counts of first degree murder. He says autopsy results are pending, but the initial findings were gruesome.

CUT 6 (08) “be determined”

Martel says 69-year-old Hillman Mayeaux and his 67-year-old wife Eloise were found near their property in Bordelonville yesterday afternoon after they were reported missing earlier that day. He says Michael Mayeaux does have a record, but has never been charged with any violent crimes.

CUT 7 (08) “of violations”

Martel says there is a known motive, but they are not releasing it publicly. He says Bordelonville is a small, tightknit community. He says this crime came as a shock to everyone.

CUT 8 (10) “the family”

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US Senator David Vitter led a meeting of the Senate Small Business Committee this morning to address concerns of Louisiana flood victims. State Representative Clay Schexnayder of Gonzales owns Car Craft Automotive and spoke at the hearing. He says communication between state and local officials and FEMA have been a big problem.

CUT 9 (13) “right now”

Schexnayder says some of his constituents are living in tents or repairing their homes on their own, because the feds are taking too long. President and CEO of the Central Chamber of Commerce, Ron Erickson Sr., raised concerns about flood victims possibly having to elevate their homes.

cut 10 (09)  “thousand dollars”

Vitter encouraged people to contact his office if they are having trouble cutting through the red tape with federal agencies. He says today’s hearing is an important step to getting more assistance and helping his colleagues understand the level of devastation from this flood.

Cut 11 (10) “the way” 

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

US Representative Charles Boustany says allegations that he was involved with prostitutes who were killed in Jefferson Davis Parish are false and hurtful. He says operatives working for State Treasurer John Kennedy are spreading these lies. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says there is no actual evidence that Boustany had anything to do with those women…:

cut 12 (10) “out there”

The accusations are published in a new book about the murders. A spokesperson for the Kennedy campaign says the book speaks for itself. Both men are seeking the US Senate seat up for grabs in November. Dubos says, when it comes to the politics of all this, it’s really up to voters to decide who to believe and what to believe…:

Cut 13 (10)  “on this”

Boustany says he is more proud of his work as a faithful husband and father than he is about anything else he’s done in his life. Dubos says he feels most voters will wait and see if any additional information on the allegation comes out, and how Kennedy and Boustany handle it…:

cut 14 (10)  “they wanted”

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Flood victims who are still at the shelter at the Baton Rouge River Center will be moved to a shelter at Celtic Studios today. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The US Department of Defense is teaming up with the LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Facility to find ways to improve soldiers’ endurance on the battle field. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A reaction video to Disney’s gumbo recipe video has almost reached one million views. Emelie Gunn has more on why Louisianans were outraged….

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The shelter at the Baton Rouge River Center is closing today. Red Cross spokesperson Vicki Eichstaedt says the flood vicitms who are still in the shelter will be moved to a shelter at Celtic Studios in Baton Rouge. The Department of Children and Family Services reports there were 372 as of yesterday. Eichstaedt says the Red Cross is redoubling their efforts to make sure no one is forgotten.

cut 4  (12)  “for them”

Eichstaedt says the River Center has asked them to vacate their facility as they prepare for upcoming events, but she says there is not a hard close date for the Celtic Studios shelter. She says they will be there to help these flood victims as long as it takes.

Cut 5  (07)  “to stay”

Eichstaedt says they want to encourage people to register with FEMA for federal aid. She says people can get more information about more assistance from the Red Cross by calling 855-224-2490. She says there’s lots of individual reasons why people are having trouble finding the next place for them.

Cut 6 (10) “security deposit”

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US Senator David Vitter will chair a meeting of the Senate Small Business Committee today to discuss the federal response for flood victims in Louisiana. Vitter says this is an important opportunity to explain just how devastating this flooding really was, and still is for many people.

CUT 7 (12)  “third biggest”

Vitter says the SBA administrator will be present at the meeting. He says the FEMA administrator will not be there because “he’s come up with a series of excuses.” But he says there will be other people there to help make the case for additional assistance.

Cut 8 (09) “testimony”

Vitter says opportunities to highlight the enormity of this event are important, because they are running out of time to approve a $2.6 federal aid package requested by the Obama Administration. Louisiana’s Senior Senator says they are trying to get the federal appropriation passed this month.

Cut 9 (06)  “that done”

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LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Facility is partnering with the US Department of Defense on a study that looks at improving a soldier’s endurance. Dr. Jennifer Rood is the principal investigator for the Optimizing Performance for Soldiers Study. She says many soldiers in military operations are only getting half of the daily recommendation of calories, which leads to weight loss and impacts their performance.

Cut 10 (12) “that weigh loss”

Rood says because of that, soldiers also experience a drop in testosterone levels. She says the study will explore the effects of testosterone injections to maintain normal testosterone levels to see if it can prevent side effects, like loss of muscle and problems with memory, mood and concentration.

cut 11 (08) “of weight loss”

Rood says they are looking for men ages 18 to 39 to participate in the study who are active two to three days a week. She says it’s a three month study divided into three phases. She says the first phase involves participants eating, exercising, and coming to the center daily, but the second phase is more intense.

cut 12 (12) “a day”

Rood says in phase three, they follow up with participants for a month after they leave the facility. She says applicants can enroll online at prbc.edu/ops. She says LSU was chosen to perform the OPS study because of their long standing relationship with the Department of Defense.

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Disney released a gumbo recipe video on Facebook that is driving Louisianans mad. The video has since been removed after receiving backlash for adding kale, quinoa and not even starting with a roux. KATC Lafayette Production Assistant David Hilbun created a reaction video. Hilburn says his first thought when watching the video was this looks nothing like real gumbo.

Cut 13 (10) “to me”

Hilbun says he was so disgusted by the Disney video that he had to remake it to show the reaction of Louisianans. He says there have been nearly a million views of his video…

cut 14 (10)  “ingredients”

Hilbun says he never intended for the video to blow up the way it did in just two days. He says people are so passionate about their gumbo, because it’s the flagship dish of the Cajun culture.

Cut 15 (07) “butchered”

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The Saints visit the Giants this Sunday in a rematch of last year’s wild contest that saw New Orleans beat New York 52-49 in the third-highest scoring game in league history. El Manning and Drew Brees combined to throw for an NFL-record 13 touchdown passes. Brees is not expecting that kind of game again…

Cut 16  (12)  “play for”

The Saints need a win on Sunday to avoid an 0-2 start. Brees says there’s a sense of urgency to get in the win column…..

Cut 17 (13)  “it happen”

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LSU’s senior starting tight end Colin Jeter says the offense is ready to play hard for whoever starts at quarterback this Saturday against Mississippi State. Coach Les Miles has strongly hinted that Danny Etling will be the guy, but Colin Jeter says the offense is ready to make plays for whoever calls the signals…

Cut 18 (14) “I’m behind”

Etling was 6-of-14 for 100 yards and a touchdown and an interception in the win over Jacksonville State. Jeter says Etling gave them a spark that was definitely needed at the time…

Cut 19 (15) “the game”

Governor John Bel Edwards has created the Restore Louisiana Task Force to oversee flood recovery. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says getting the flood aid package approved will be an uphill battle. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Governor John Bel Edwards announces the creation of the Restore Louisiana Task Force, which will oversee flood recovery and redevelopment. The task force is comprised of 21 members ranging from cabinet secretaries to state lawmakers and local mayors. There are also business people on the panel, including Lamar Advertising CEO Sean Reilly who was on the Louisiana Recovery Authority, which was formed after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

CUT 3 (09)  “our work”

Reilly says the task force will push for extra federal aid to help flood victims, because the majority did not have flood insurance. He hopes we learn lessons after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita when it comes to the rebuilding of homes…

CUT 4 (10)  “their house”

Reilly says the Restore Louisiana Task Force will also help victims of the March flooding in north Louisiana. He says another goal is to aid small businesses in getting back up and running.

CUT 5 (10)  “Rita”

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Enrollment at Nicholls State University is up for the first time since 2009. Nicholls President Bruce Murphy says they saw an increase of 103 students, which is just over a 1% hike. He says they have improved their recruitment by empowering recruiters to give scholarships to potential students.

CUT 6 (09) “kind of stuff”

Murphy says as a result of their recruiting efforts, freshmen applications were up 300 over last year. He says even after the confusion over TOPS, having to increase fees, and the flooding, their enrollment is still went up.

CUT 7 (10) “the fall”

Murphy says he doesn’t think reduction of the TOPS scholarship program will bring more students to Nicholls, because tuition is similar at most Louisiana universities. But he says college students from the Houma-Thibodaux area moving back home, may have boosted their numbers.

CUT 8 (09) “or not”

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LSU Football Coach Les Miles told reporters on the SEC teleconference that he would like to keep it in-house on who will start at quarterback this Saturday against Mississippi State. But the head coach still gave us a strong clue that it will be Danny Etling…

CUT 9 (07) “don’t mind”

Etling replaced a struggling Brandon Harris in the second quarter of last Saturday’s 34-13 win over Jacksonsville State. Etling led to touchdowns on three consecutive drives. Miles says they have spoken to Harris about being ready to play if they need him….

cut 10 (10)  “understands that”

All-American running back Leonard Fournette did not play against Jacksonsville State, because of an injured ankle. But Miles expects Fournette will play against the Bulldogs…

Cut 11 (10) “right now” 

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The Obama Administration has sent a $2.6 billion request to Congress for Louisiana flood relief assistance. Congressman Garrett Graves says it will be an uphill battle to get the request approved. The Baton Rouge Republican says the Louisiana delegation is trying to make other Congressional leaders understand the impact of this flood.

cut 12 (07) “insufficient”

Graves says one problem is that other states have also experienced devastating natural disasters, and they want more funding too. He says although it’s never a good idea to compare one another’s disasters, in this case the numbers speak for themselves.

Cut 13 (07)  “US history”

The federal request is $200 million less than what Governor John Bel Edwards requested Monday. But Graves says some members of Congress just don’t want to spend any money. He says he understands that, but the reality is that this will cost taxpayers money one way or another.

cut 14 (10)  “in my mind”

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The Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office says they have located the bodies of the missing couple authorities had been searching for, and believe the victims’ grandson could be involved. Chief Deputy Steven Martel says Hillman and Eloise Mayeaux were found in a barn near their home. He says there is a person of interest in the case…:

cut 15 (10) “130 pounds”

Martel says they have not been able to locate 28-year-old Michael Mayeaux:

cut 16 (10) “area code 318”

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Interstate 10 will be widened from four to six lanes from Highland Road in Baton Rouge to Highway 73 in Ascension parish. Jeff Palermo has more on the announcement from Governor John Bel Edwards…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Solar panel customers in Louisiana are suing the state over a cap that was placed on the solar tax credit program. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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More Louisianans than ever are now covered by health insurance, according to new census data. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Governor John Bel Edwards announces I-10 will be widened from four to six lanes between Highland Road in Baton Rouge and Highway 73 in Ascension Parish. He says about 30-percent of the traffic on I-10 is moving commerce. But he says this project will benefit all drivers.

cut 4  (10)  “as well”

State Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the project will cost more than 60-million dollars, but the state plans to use 40-million dollars in federal monies to get the project started.  Edwards says they are also looking at elevating parts of the interstate in this 7 mile stretch.

Cut 5  (10)  “this area”

Construction is expected to begin in about a year. Edwards says this is an important project because this section is one of the most congested parts of I-10, because the interstate goes from three lanes to two east of Highland.

Cut 6 (11) “this area”

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This week is National Drive Electric Week and the state department of natural resources would like motorists to learn about the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric cars.  Executive Director of Louisiana Clean Fuels program, Ann Shaneyfelt, says the range of some fully electric vehicles is up to 200 miles, which is similar to having a full tank of gas.

CUT 7 (08)  “every single morning” 2x

Shaneyfelt says the maintenance cost of electric vehicles is also much lower, and most public charging stations are free. She says there are also tax credits available for people who purchase electric and hybrid vehicles.

Cut 8 (08) “hundred dollars”

Shaneyfelt says Plugin Louisiana is one of their initiatives that encourages employers to install workplace charging for plug-in electric vehicles. LSU is the first Workplace Charging Challenge partner in Louisiana.  She says workplace charging is an appealing incentive for many employees that can help attract and retain a cutting-edge workforce, while also increasing consumer exposure of electric cars.

Cut 9 (08)  “their employees”

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Solar panel customers in Louisiana are suing the state over the cap that was placed on the solar tax credit program earlier this year. New Orleans lawyer Larry Centola says the state violated these people’s rights when they retroactively capped the program.

Cut 10 (11) “on em”

Centola says because the program is now first come first serve, people who bought their panels after the cap was passed could get a tax credit before those bought them before the cap, depending on who filed their taxes first. Centola says about 2-thousand homeowners installed their panels before the June 2015 vote on the cap.

cut 11 (09) “entitled to”

The tax credit program was capped at $25 million during the 2015 session. Centola says they will be seeking more than $10 million in the suit. He says he understands that the state was in a budget crunch, but…

cut 12 (10) “rules on them”

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New census data shows that more Louisianans than ever before are now covered by health insurance. Director of the Louisiana Budget Project Jan Moller says this is great news because for the longest time, Louisiana had one of the highest uninsured rates in the country.

Cut 13 (10) “percent” 3x

And Moller says this number doesn’t even include all the people who received coverage this summer through the expansion of Medicaid. He says nearly 212-thousand people in Louisiana signed up for coverage through the federal health insurance exchange program.

cut 14 (09)  “preventative care”

The new census data also found the overall median income rose 5-percent in 2015, but in the south, it only climbed three percent. Moller says we can’t be sure exactly why the southern part of the country is behind but the south in general has lower levels of educational attainment. He says even though it’s not as much, 3-percent is still an improvement.

Cut 15 (09) “class family”

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Mississippi State is getting ready to travel down to Baton Rouge for Saturday night’s SEC showdown with the 20th ranked LSU Tigers. Bulldogs Coach Dan Mullen says despite the Tigers opening week loss to Wisconsin, they have one of the most talented rosters in the country…

Cut 16  (19)  “defensive lineman”

Two years ago, Mississippi State came into Tiger Stadium and beat LSU 34-29 for their first win over the Tigers since 1992. The Bulldogs quarterback that day was Dak Prescott, who played an exceptional game. Mississippi State’s quarterback this Saturday will be Nick Fitzgerald who threw for 178 yards and rushed for 195 yards against South Carolina. Mullen on Fitzgerald and Prescott’s running styles

Cut 17 (18)  “of running”

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ULM and UL Lafayette open Sun Belt play this Saturday. The Warhawks are at Georgia Southern and Coach Matt Viator says the Eagles option offense is hard to simulate in practice…

Cut 18 (17) “of challenges”

The Cajuns host South Alabama. UL Lafayette Coach Mark Hudspeth likes how quarterback Anthony Jennings is developing in their system…

Cut 19 (19) “effective there”

South Alabama comes into Lafayette with a 1-1 record. They upset Mississippi State in the season opener and then lost to Georgia Southern last week. Hudspeth says his defense will have to pay attention to Gerald Everett…

Cut 20 (11) “outstanding players”