At a public meeting today, the LSU AgCenter will pitch its medical marijuana plan to potential investors. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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More bad budget news for Louisiana as another round of cuts could be coming. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Another statewide poll has Republican John Kennedy as the front-runner in Louisiana’s US Senate race. Jeff Palermo reports…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A new poll from the University of New Orleans shows Republican John Kennedy with a strong lead in the US Senate race at 22-percent. UNO pollster Ed Chervenak says Republican Charles Boustany and Democrat Foster Campbell are tied for second at 15-percent. He says it will be a close race for the second runoff spot.

cut 4  (08) “anytime soon”

Republican John Fleming polled at 11-percent to come in fourth place. Chervenak says for Boustany to make the runoff, he has to improve his numbers somehow, which could mean more attack ads are coming.

Cut 5  (08)  “Boustany campaign”

Democrat Caroline Fayard isn’t far behind Campbell, as she polled at 10-percent. Chervenak says if Campbell wants to surpass Boustany and get in the runoff, he’ll have to take votes away from Fayard.

Cut 6 (10) “his side”

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The LSU AgCenter will pitch its plan to grow the state’s medical marijuana today at a public meeting that will be attended by potential private investors. LSU Vice President for Agriculture, Dr. Bill Richardson, says they have about 450 people signed up to come to the meeting.

CUT 7 (10)  “near future”

LSU and Southern University have agreed to grow medical marijuana in line with the plan that was established by state legislators earlier this year. Richardson says for the plan to work and they need private businesses to assist the AgCenter with the growing, shipping, storing, and securing of the medical cannabis.

Cut 8 (09) “going on”

The AgCenter is not using state dollars to finance the growing process. LSU estimates operating the growing facility will cost more than $1 million for the first year, and over $5 million for the next five years. Richardson says it will take just over $11 million total to grow the medical pot.

Cut 9 (10)  “to do this”

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A mother has been arrested in the death of her 6-year-old daughter who died in a fire in Jena early Wednesday morning. Chief Deputy Brant Thompson with the State Fire Marshal’s Office says investigators found illegally energized electrical wires and an electric space heater in use near the mattress where Ayla Breeland was sleeping.

Cut 10 (08) “Ayla’s life”

Thompson says Ayla’s mother, 29-year-old Wendy Blasingame, was not in the camper home when the fire broke out, and it’s unclear how long the child was left alone. He says investigators were only able to speak to her hours after the fire had been put out.

cut 11 (10) “intoxication”

Thompson says Blasingame has been charged with one count of negligent homicide. He says the investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are possible. He says they have confirmed that the mother was shooting up drugs in an abandoned house while her daughter was in the burning home.

cut 12 (08) “methamphetamine”

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Today, Camp Minden officials will begin burning off volatile explosives that are stored in three bunkers at the Louisiana National Guard Facility in Webster Parish. Col. Ed Bush says 200-thousand pounds of explosives are left of the 320-thousand pounds that have been stored at Camp Minden since the company that was storing them improperly went out of business. He says they plan on burning one of the three bunkers today.

Cut 13 (08) “the bunker”

Bush says they will conduct three burns, and today’s is the smallest, with 820 pounds of Clean Burning Ignitor being stored in this bunker. He says they expect the unstable CBI to ignite and burn up quickly. He says they are prepared for anything that might go wrong.

cut 14 (10) “after the fact”

Today’s explosion will be conducted between 11 am and 1 pm, as long as weather conditions are favorable. The second bunker will be burned on Sunday, and the third will be ignited November 5. Bush says everyone involved in this process is a subject matter expert in their field. He says they do not anticipate any problems with any of these explosions.

Cut 15 (10) “is safe”

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The Saints passing game faces a major test this Sunday against Seattle. The Seahawks have become one of the best teams in the league, because of how they defend the pass. New Orleans Quarterback Drew Brees says Seattle’s defense doesn’t have a weak link…

Cut 16  (13)  “handle pressure”

Sunday’s game also marks the return of tight end Jimmy Graham to the Mercedes Benz Superdome. The Seahawks tight end’s first five seasons in the NFL were in New Orleans where he caught 51 touchdown passes. Since then he’s only caught three. Brees says it will be weird to see Graham in an opposing uniform…

Cut 17 (19)” love there”

During the 2015 offseason, the Saints traded Graham and a fourth round pick to Seattle for a late first-round choice and center Max Unger. Brees says Unger has played better then he could ever envision….

Cut 18 (18) “in a captain”

NOAA issues a report that finds Americans ate nearly a pound more seafood in 2015 than in the previous year. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A new U.S. Senate poll by Market Research Insight finds it’s a tight race at the top. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Americans ate nearly a pound more seafood in 2015 than in the previous year, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Executive Director of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, Karen Profita, believes this follows a national trend towards healthier eating.

Cut 3 (08) “for them”

Profita says now we need to educate people about the quality difference between domestic and imported seafood. She says Louisiana seafood is in high demand around the country, and people don’t mind paying more for it.

cut 4  (11) “overseas”

Profita says there are fewer shrimp this year, and no one really knows why. She says this could lead to some frustration if the supply can’t keep up with the demand, as seafood is becoming more of an everyday meal choice for people.

Cut 5  (10)  “everyday diet”

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A new survey released by Market Research Insight finds Republicans John Kennedy and Charles Boustany are on each other’s heels for the top spot in the U.S. Senate race. Kennedy is polling at 17-percent and Boustany is at 16-percent. Pollster Verne Kennedy says Boustany’s support is growing…

Cut 6 (10) “the attacks”

The poll was commissioned by a business group, and it has Democrat Foster Campbell polling at 14-percent. Kennedy says Boustany is leading among Republican voters, but the State Treasurer, who is a former Democrat, is still getting some of the white Democrat vote.

CUT 7 (06)  “Kennedy”

Kennedy says the better Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump’s does in the polls, the better Boustany will do. He says the reason Democrat Caroline Fayard, who is polling at 12-percent, is lagging behind Campbell is because she’s not getting support from white Democrats.

Cut 8 (10) “white democrats”

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JMC Analytics releases an analysis of the early voting turnout after two days and finds that over 162-thousand people have already voted in the 2016 election. Pollster John Couvillon says he only has one word for the early voter turnout thus far – wow.

Cut 9 (08)  “in 2012”

Couvillon believes the voter turnout will be more front-loaded this year. He says he’s not prepared to say there will be a higher overall turnout, he just thinks people are more eager to get it out of the way this year.

Cut 10 (11) “five days”

The report found that more women than men have already voted, and more Democrats early voted than Republicans. Couvillon says the people who turned out in the first two days of early voting seem to be chronic voters.

cut 11 (11) “local elections”

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The Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office says an arrest has been made in a cold case dating back to 1991. Sheriff Brett Stassi says 61-year-old Tommy Francise of Plaquemine was booked in Lafayette as a fugitive from justice for the murder of a man in 1991 and another in 2002…:

cut 12 (10) “District Attorney’s Office”

Both cases will be featured on the second season of “Killing Fields” — a docudrama series on the Discovery Channel that was filmed over the summer. Stassi says the investigative television show was helpful in allowing them to put this case to bed…:

Cut 13 (10) “different places”

Season 2 of Killing Fields is expected to begin sometime in November. Stassi says when cases get the attention of investigative shows like this, it helps with getting witnesses to come forward. He says the families of the victims, Curtis “Cochise” Smith and George Barrett, have been waiting a long time for justice…:

cut 14 (08) “some peace”

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The Raising Cane’s River Center is now the new name of the Baton Rouge River Center in the Capital City’s downtown area. Founder and CEO of Raising Canes Todd Graves says this is a big day for his chicken finger company, which was founded near the LSU campus. Graves and his wife were on hand for the announcement…

Cut 15 (08) “River Center”

The Baton Rouge based food chain signed a 10-year naming rights deal worth nearly 4 million dollars. Graves hopes the Raising Cane’s River Center can become an even better entertainment venue

Cut 16  (09)  “better place”

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The 110^th State Fair of Louisiana kicks off today. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A senior football player at D’Arbonne Woods Charter School is suing the LHSAA for not allowing him to play because he was held back in the sixth grade. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A 32-year-old south Louisiana man is behind bars after allegedly shooting his ex-girlfriend, her mother, and her brother after a domestic dispute. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The 110^th Louisiana State Fair in Shreveport kicks off today at 10 a.m. with tons of new and different activities. The fair runs until Sunday November 13^th. Fair President and General Manager Chris Giordano says they have changed the days the fair is open to accommodate the festivalgoers and will now only be closed on Mondays.

cut 4  (10) “at 11”

There are also parking and entrance discounts available from Tuesdays to Thursdays. Giordano says they have the largest carnival in Louisiana with 60 rides. He says the fair has a circus and a zoo with many different animal attractions.

Cut 5  (09)  “bear show”

Wayne Toups and Joe Diffie will be among the artists performing throughout the three week long fair. Giordano says the fair also offers different shows from break dancing to daredevil stunt acts. And he says every year the food vendors gets even wilder with their unique concoctions.

Cut 6 (08) “fried watermelon”

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A Union parish high school student is suing the LHSAA for not allowing him to play his senior year, because he was held back in the 6^th grade.  An LHSAA rule states that if a student is held back a year in middle school, he or she can only play three years of high school sports. The student’s attorney, Brian Blackwell, says the LHSAA’s decision violates the American with Disabilities Act, because the student repeated sixth grade because of ADHD.

CUT 7 (09)  “is unfair”

Blackwell says the act requires reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities, and he is confident the court will rule in favor of this student.

Cut 8 (10) “particular situation”

Blackwell says teachers and doctors made a decision for this student that were in no way intended to challenge LHSAA’s eligibility rules. He says playing high school sports helps this student deal with his disability. 

Cut 9 (08)  “his ADHD”

The LHSAA has not issued a statement on the case, but a court hearing is set for Friday.

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Governor John Bel Edwards along with local lawmakers begin a two-day tour today where they’ll fly over the Louisiana coast and then visit offshore oil and gas facilities. State Rep. Jerome Zeringue of Houma will be with the governor and says trip’s primary purpose is to help the oil and gas industry and coastal restoration co-exist.

Cut 10 (11) “land loss”

Gov. Edwards issued a statement saying our coast is disappearing at an alarming rate, but we can’t ignore the important role offshore energy plays with the state’s economy. Zeringue says Edwards is very adamant that the funding reserved for coastal restoration will be used for that purpose.

cut 11 (10) “significant headway”

There will also be an offshore energy industry roundtable in Port Fourchon. Zeringue says this will provide the industry a chance to talk with Governor Edwards about how important oil and gas is to the economy in coastal parishes. He says this sector is not only important to this region but the entire country.

cut 12 (09) “the industry”

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A new poll from Southern Media and Opinion Research shows Republican Donald Trump winning the Presidential race in the Bayou State and six in ten voters give Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards a favorable rating. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says Trump has a strong lead over Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton.

Cut 13 (07) “33-percent”

Pinsonat says only 8-percent of voters remain undecided about the presidential race. But neither candidate is well liked. Pinsonat says 53-percent of voters have an unfavorable view of Trump, while 60-percent dislike Clinton.

cut 14 (07) “Obama did”

The survey also found that Edwards’ approval rating is at 60-percent. But Pinsonat says one elected official beat out Edwards as the most popular Louisiana leader.

Cut 15 (09) “elected official”

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For the second time this season, LSU does not have a game this Saturday. But this time it’s a scheduled break and it gives the Bayou Bengals an extra week to prepare for top ranked Alabama. Tigers cornerback Tre’Davious White says they are using the open date productively…

Cut 16  (16)  “big game”

Alabama has the top ranked offense in the SEC as they are averaging nearly 500 total yards a game and 44 points a contest. White says they are balanced between the run and the pass…

Cut 17 (09)” backs too”

A win for LSU and they’ll improve to 4-0 under Head Coach Ed Orgeron. It would make it difficult for Athletic Director Joe Alleva not to keep Orgeron as the Tigers head coach. Coach O says he would love to have the job on a permanent basis, but he can’t let that consume him right now…

Cut 18 (14) “that today”

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First-year head coach Matt Viator is going through a tough season at ULM. The Warhawks are 2-and-5 and coming off a 42-point loss to New Mexico. Viator takes the blame for the team’s poor performance on the field this year…

Cut 19 (13)   “for that”

Redshirt freshman Will Collins failed to complete a pass in seven attempts in the loss to New Mexico. Caleb Evans played much better as he was 12 of 15 for 120 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Viator says as of now Collins will start at QB versus Arkansas State on Saturday…

cut 20 (11) “from there”

The first day of early voting broke records for voter turnout in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The latest Southern Media and Opinion Research poll shows Republican John Kennedy leading the field in the US Senate race, followed by Democrat Foster Campbell…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A Baton Rouge man who set his wife on fire in September is finally behind bars. Sgt. Don Coppola with the Baton Rouge Police Department says 28-year-old John Harleaux got into an argument with his wife on September 24th. He says things turned violent when the woman called for her mother to come pick her up.

Cut 3 (10) “to ignite”

Coppola hates that someone would think of doing this to anyone, much less to their own spouse. He says the woman was seriously injured.

cut 4  (07) “his actions”

Coppola says Harleaux evaded police officers since the dispute. He says thanks to a tip from Crime Stoppers, they were able to locate the suspect yesterday. He says Harleaux was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

Cut 5  (05)  “by burning”

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Early voting has only just begun, and it’s already a record breaking year for turnout. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says the 2012 election set voting records in Louisiana, but the turnout yesterday even topped that.

Cut 6 (08) “in ’12”

Schedler says lines are shorter today for early voting, and he expects wait times to be around 10 to 15 minutes. He says yesterday there was one issue briefly in Jefferson Parish when a fiber optic line went out between the registrar of voters and the satellite office.

CUT 7 (07)  “clear sailing”

Schedler says his office is getting record calls from voters concerned the election is rigged. He blames the campaign rhetoric for these outrageous claims that have caught fire nationwide on both ends of the political spectrum.

Cut 8 (10) “about it”

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State officials have wrapped up a two-day meeting discussing the importance of restoring Louisiana’s coast before it’s too late. Val Marmillion with America’s WETLAND Foundation says Louisiana could lose a third of its coast in the next 50 years. He says the five year revision of the coastal restoration plan will be released in January.

Cut 9 (11)  “into implementation”

The master plan for coastal restoration needs to be revised immediately, and Governor John Bel Edwards believes the cost of this plan will go up significantly. Officials believe they will have at least $10.7 billion for the first 15 years of the 50 year plan. 

Cut 10 (10) “in 2017”

About $7 billion of the cost will be covered by the Deepwater Horizon settlement from BP. Edwards says it will also help tremendously if Congress allows Louisiana to reinvest its $100 million annual payments for the levee system that was constructed after Hurricane Katrina. He says it’s important to protect that asset that taxpayers have already invested in.

cut 11 (09) “gonna perform”

Another round table on coastal restoration will be held December 7.

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The latest Southern Media and Opinion Research poll shows Republican John Kennedy continuing to lead the field in the US Senate race with 22%, followed by Democrat Foster Campbell at 16%. Rounding out the top five are Republican Charles Boustany with 14%, then Democrat Caroline Fayard at 12%, and GOP candidate John Fleming at 9%. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat..:

cut 12 (07) “amount of time”

The same poll also found that the State Treasurer received the highest “positive” job performance rating among the five elected officials tested with Governor John Bel Edwards coming in second. Pinsonat says the number of undecided in this round for the seat being vacated by David Vitter is 15% which is down considerably from the last survey….:

Cut 13 (07) “into the runoff”

Pinsonat says of those voters who have not selected a candidate in this race yet, 12% are white and 22% are black. He says that means it appears as though Campbell will be getting most of those votes…:

cut 14 (06) “make the runoff”

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The National Flood Insurance Program has issued over one billion dollars to help Louisiana policyholders impacted by the historic August flooding. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (24) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center announces a $200-thousand donation to Baton Rouge groups assisting with flood relief efforts. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A traffic stop in Covington led to disturbing discoveries and two arrests. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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LSU Health New Orleans is offering free well water testing in areas affected by the historic flooding in August. Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Adrienne Katner says test kits that could be used to analyze for metals and coliform bacteria will be distributed at two locations in French Settlement in Livingston Parish on Thursday and Friday afternoon

cut 4  (10) “the well”

Katner says the main side effect of drinking contaminated water is diarrhea. She says a contaminated well can be cleaned through shock chlorination and FEMA also offers assistance…

Cut 5  (10)  “their well”

Katner says their free well water testing program will start in Livingston Parish, but they’ll also visit other affected parishes over the next several months. She says the free sampling kits at the two locations in French Settlement on a first come, first serve basis.

Cut 6 (10) “through 29th”

To learn more about the study call (504) 568-5942 or email well-testing-at-L-S-U-H-S-C-dot-edu. (welltesting@lsuhsc.edu)

____________________________________________

Louisiana flood victims have received over one billion dollars in flood insurance payments in less than three months after the historic flooding. Wayne Berggren (Berg-gren) with the National Flood Insurance Program says they’ve seen over 29-thousand claims submitted for review and payment and of that 48-percent have been closed out.

CUT 7 (08)  “flood insurance”

Berggren says the average payment a homeowner covered under the National Flood Insurance Program is about 68,000. He expects when all claims are reviewed, flood victims overall will have received a little over two billion dollars.

Cut 8 (10) “final estimates”

For more information about flood insurance, homeowners can visit flood-smart-dot-gov (floodsmart.gov). Berggren says these flood insurance payments will help people rebuild. He says this  event is why every homeowner should at least get an estimate for flood insurance from their local agent.

Cut 9 (10)  “declared disaster” 

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The Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center is making donations to community groups assisting with flood relief efforts in south Louisiana. Executive Director Cashauna Hill says $200-thousand dollars from their Baton Rouge Revitalization Fund will be distributed among faith-based and nonprofit organizations.

Cut 10 (09) “to recovery”

Hill says organizations in the greater Baton Rouge area will receive a portion of these grants. She says the groups will then use the funds at their discretion to assist flood victims in any way that they need.

cut 11 (11) “management services”

Hill says being based in New Orleans, GNOFHAC understands the need for people to get back into their homes as soon as possible after a disaster. She says they’re thrilled to be able to help people and extremely grateful for the work these organizations have been doing since the flood in August.

cut 12 (10) “necessary work”

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A dangerous couple is behind bars following a traffic stop in Covington that led to a disturbing discovery. Capt. Daniel Seuzeneau with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says Monroe Myers and his girlfriend, Winter Flowers, were pulled over for a missing taillight.

Cut 13 (07) “drug paraphernalia”

Seuzeneau says the drugs and paraphernalia were not even the biggest concern. He says deputies also discovered a sawed off 20 gauge shotgun disguised as a children’s toy.

cut 14 (11) “dangerous weapon”

Seuzeneau says the couple have been charged with possession of meth and heroin, intent to distribute, possession of a firearm with a controlled dangerous substance, and being fugitives out of Tangipahoa parish. He says both Myers and Flowers also have previous criminal history.

Cut 15 (09) “they belong”

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The Pelicans tip-off a new season tonight as they host the Denver Nuggets at 7 PM inside the Smoothie King Center. New Orleans began last season with a 1-and-11 record and Head Coach Alvin Gentry wants to avoid that kind of start…

Cut 16  (17)  “of numbers”

Pelicans star Anthony Davis starts the season healthy and first round pick Buddy Hield should help New Orleans on the offensive end. But Davis says there will be an adjustment period for Hield…

Cut 17 (19)” different environment”

Davis is set to begin his fifth season in the NBa. He played in a career low 61 games last year and averaged 24 points and 10 rebounds a game.  Davis says he’s anxious to get the season started…

Cut 18 (19) “our belt”

There’s talk of central Louisiana getting a second interstate, called I-14, connecting Texas to Georgia. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Research from the American Cancer Society finds Louisiana ranks fifth in the nation for the number of smoking-related cancer deaths. Michelle Southern reports…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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There is serious conversation about an east-west interstate that would cross central Louisiana through Alexandria, connecting western Texas to Georgia. Malcom Morris of Leesville, who is with the Gulf Coast Strategic Highway Coalition, says the chance of a new interstate called I-14, is very likely. He says they’re working on getting a federal designation and Texas has already been issued one.

Cut 3 (11) “designation”

Morris says once a designation is received, a corridor is selected but the interstate is probably 10 years out from being constructed. He says the plan is for I-14 to run mostly along Highway 28.

cut 4  (09) “Mississippi”

Morris says having two interstates, one moving north-south and one moving east-west, is a tremendous economic boom for the cities in central Louisiana. He says I-14 would be helpful for the overall military picture of this country and especially this area.

Cut 5  (12)  “to them”

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We’re two weeks away from Election Day, and party leaders on both sides are facing similar struggles. Candidates for US Senate have been going at it with opponents from their own party. Executive Director of the Louisiana Democratic Party Stephen Handwerk says those vicious blows will make it harder for the party to come together after November 8th.

Cut 6 (07) “attacking you”

After Senate candidate and former-KKK leader David Duke qualified to participate in next week’s Senate debate, Handwerk and Louisiana GOP executive director Jason Dore agreed that if he polled high enough, he should be included. However, Handwerk says they share the same opinion about whether or not they would like to hear what Duke has to say.

CUT 7 (10)  “my opinion”

Selfies in the voting booth have been a big topic this election cycle. Both party leaders encourage people to exercise their First Amendment rights and selfie if they like. Dore says social media is a huge part of the world today and sees this as an extension of that.

Cut 8 (07) “great thing”

_____________________________________

Louisiana ranks fifth in the country when it comes to the percentage of cancer deaths that are attributable to smoking, according to research from the American Cancer Society. Thirty-two percent of all cancer deaths in Louisiana are attributed to smoking. Chronic Disease Director with the Louisiana Department of Health, Melissa Martin, says LDH is doing what they can to reduce the number of smokers. She says that starts with preventing kids from picking up the habit.

Cut 9 (07)  “our state”

The report shows Louisiana ranks second for the number of male smokers who died from lung cancer, at 38-percent. The rate for women was 25-percent, coming in at number 8 nationwide. Martin says the state is doing what it can to decrease exposure of second hand smoke…

Cut 10 (09) “or restaurants”

Martin says the state also offer a free comprehensive quit line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW to educate the public on how to kick their habit.

cut 11 (09) “replacement therapy”

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Voters in Baton Rouge and around the state are exercising their right to vote today on this first day of early voting. Charles and Kathleen Gendusa were among those that cast their vote on the first day the polls opened. They say they were hoping to go before the lines got long, but they ended up having to wait about 20 minutes. They were so eager to vote, they even showed up a day early.

cut 12 (09) “back today”

Early voting will be open from 8:30 am until 6 pm every day except Sunday through November 1. Raymond Jensen works at the Registrar of Voters Office and says early voting turnout has been good so far. He says there’s usually a lot of early voters during a presidential election, and the lines show it.

Cut 13 (07) “15 minutes”

Jensen says he expects wait times to be between 15 and 30 minutes throughout the early voting period. Carla Schiavone also cast her ballot on the first day of early voting. As a displaced flood victim, she says she didn’t have any trouble finding out where to vote, but she did have to drive a long way.

cut 14 (09) “get it done”

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Early voting begins today and runs until November 1. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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There aren’t many women or racial minorities in Louisiana’s judicial system, according to a study by Tulane University. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Republican Donald Trump leads Democrat Hillary Clinton in the statewide polls with only two weeks left until Election Day. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Early voting begins today for the Presidential election. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says polls will be open at their parish Registrar of Voters Office or at other designated locations from 8:30 am until 6 pm everyday but Sunday through November 1. He reminds voters that Election Day is on a Tuesday, so it might be easier for people to early vote, especially flood victims.

cut 4  (07) “office again”

Schedler says there are 220 races statewide involving more than 700 candidates, as well as 6 constitutional amendments and 78 propositions in 38 parishes. He says in last year’s gubernatorial race, there was about a 40-percent voter turnout, and he expects this race to be much higher.

Cut 5  (10)  “we can’t”

Schedler says voters can use the Geaux Vote app to find out where they can cast their ballots. He says this year’s “I Voted” stickers featuring the iconic Blue Dog are extremely popular. He says the only way to get a sticker is to vote, and early voters will also get a sticker.

Cut 6 (10) “voted sticker”

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The search is on for 53-year-old Jerry Williams Junior of Ponchatula who is wanted for the murder of his ex-wife. Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Dawn Panepinto says Williams gunned down his wife outside of her Hammond home Sunday morning…

CUT 7 (12)  “50 year old Linda Williams”

Panepinto says Williams has a history of physical abuse…

Cut 8 (10) “etc”

Panepinto says 50-year-old Linda Williams was pronounced dead at the scene…

Cut 9 (10)  “once fatally” 

___________________________________________

A study by Tulane University finds that women and racial minorities are not widely present in Louisiana’s judicial system. The report shows that while women make up 51-percent of Louisiana’s population, only 30-percent of state judgeships are held by women. Political scientist Sally Kenney with Tulane’s Newcomb College Institute says we need to start conversations about women and minority inclusion.

Cut 10 (11) “judicial office”

Racial minorities make up only 23-percent of judgeships in Louisiana, while accounting for 36-percent of the population. Kenney says the judicial system being dominated by white males can affect how fair people perceive the system to be.

cut 11 (12) “male judges”

The report found similar numbers for federal courts based in Louisiana, with women constituting 40-percent of judges and racial minorities making up only 14-percent. Kenney says the US Senate advises and consents for those judgeships. She says there are over 100 judicial vacancies in the country, and many senators have declined to give approval to fill those positions.

cut 12 (10) “judicial districts”

______________________________________________________

Recent polls show Republican Donald Trump will defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton in Louisiana on November 8^th. But Executive Director of the Louisiana Democratic Party, Stephen Handwerk, says they are not throwing in the towel yet.

Cut 13 (08) “Hillary Clinton”

But Executive Director of the Louisiana Republican Party, Jason Dore, believes Louisiana will be dark red on November 8, fully supporting Donald Trump. He says when it comes to the issues like the economy, 2^nd Amendment, Obamacare, and the oil industry, it’s clear which candidate shares Louisiana values.

cut 14 (07) “our state”

Handwerk believes that the polls showing Trump out in front in Louisiana has more to do with the public’s dissatisfaction with the political system than it does with the billionaire businessman’s ideologies.

Cut 15 (12) “campaign cycle”

But Dore says Trump is energizing voters. He says they have seen record high participation in the Trump campaign in Louisiana. So much so, that they are sending volunteers from the Bayou State to campaign in other parts of the country.

Cut 16  (09)  “Trump campaign”

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Louisiana Tech looks to make it five victories in a row when they host the Rice Owls on Saturday. Rice has really struggled this year as they just 1-and-6. But Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz says don’t look at the records…

Cut 17 (17)” both sides”

Rice won its first game of the season last week, as they defeated Prairie View A-and-M 65-44. Holtz says the Owls show a lot of different looks on offense and they snap the ball quick…

Cut 18 (19) “they do”

Louisiana Tech is 5-3 overall, 3-and-1 in Conference USA. The Bulldogs lead the West division. But Holtz says they can’t let up…

Cut 19 (21)   “two thirds done”

Louisiana 4th Congressional district race has been light on the negative TV ads. Don Molino has the story….

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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Investigators believe an electrical malfunction sparked a fire that killed two small children and one adult. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Pegasus Equine Guardian Association is raising concerns about Fort Polk’s efforts to rehome over 700 horses that roam on the Army base. PEGA President Amy Hanchey says about 150-thousand American horses are sent to slaughter houses each year, and they’re afraid that’s where these horses will end up because the horse market is already flooded.

Cut 3 (08) “Fort Polk”

PEGA is concerned that the rescue facilities offering to take the horses may not be legitimate. Garrison Commander Col. David Athey says if there is significant credible evidence to suggest an organization is questionable, they are going to do what is right.

PEGA suggests heard management techniques and fertility control methods to keep the horses away from training areas and reduce the population. Hanchey says these horses have been roaming this land for nearly a century.

cut 4  (11) “at this time”

Athey says removing the horses is for the safety of the soldiers and the horses. Hanchey says they respect that the soldiers need to train, but they feel that in the Kitsatchie National Forest’s 600-thousand acres surrounding Ft. Polk, there should be room for the horses.

Cut 5  (09)  “the horses”

Athey says Ft. Polk does not own or train on National Forest Land.

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With the start of early voting kicking off tomorrow, interest in Louisiana’s US Senate race still seems to be lacking. Republican candidate John Kennedy says it’s been a rough year for Louisiana, which has made this campaign extremely unusual…:

Cut 6 (11) “racial unrest”

Kennedy says this race is overshadowed by the interesting Presidential race underway between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton…:

CUT 7 (10)  “very unusual”

Many analysts feel that once the primary is over, national parties will take notice if Election Day brings about a Republican vs Democrat in the runoff. Still Kennedy says it’s hard for US Senate candidates to draw more attention than Trump or Clinton…:

Cut 8 (09) “back seat”

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Usually competitive races have their fair share of negative TV commercials, but that’s the not case in the 4th Congressional District race. LSU-Shreveport political science professor Jeffrey Sadow it’s likely the lone Democrat on the ballot, Marshall Jones, will make the run-off and the negative ads will come in the weeks leading up to the December 10th runoff….

Cut 9 (05)  “that point”

Sadow says Shreveport cardiologist Trey Baucum, Shreveport City Council Member Oliver Jenkins and state representative Mike Johnson are the three Republicans who have the best shot at making the runoff. Sadow says they are not using mass advertising to get voters to the polls …

Cut 10 (11) “churches and a like”

Former state senator Elbert Guillory is the the only candidate outside of the Shreveport area in the race. He also ran for lieutenant governor last year, but Sadow says the republican from Opelousas is a long shot to make the runoff…

cut 11 (07) “vigorously”

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A tragic fire in Vermilion Parish claimed the lives of two young children, aged 1 and 3, and the woman who was trying to save them. State Fire Marshal’s Office spokesman Brant Thompson says the blaze broke out just prior to 5am on Sunday. And that’s when the mother inside the residence awoke to the smell of smoke…:

cut 12 (10) “flee the home”

Thompson says 3 of the 6 occupants of the home were able to escape. He says a second adult and close friend of the family, 22-year-old Felicie Cloteaux, did not leave the house when the fire broke out but instead ran to another bedroom…:

Cut 13 (08) “Arabella”

Thompson said no official cause of the fire has been determined, but investigators suspect an electrical malfunction sparked the blaze. There were no working smoke alarms in the home at the time. Thompson says Cloteaux’s body was recovered from the home still clutching the two small children in her arms…:

cut 14 (10) “friend’s children”

A lawmaker from Covington is working on legislation that would reform Louisiana’s recall procedure. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The state Democratic Party urges democrats to get out and vote especially since Republican U.S. Senate candidate David Duke will participate in a November 2^nd televised debate. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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LSU is offering a new scholarship for Louisiana residents who are the children of graduates of the state’s Flagship University. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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With only 15 days before the U.S. Senate election in Louisiana, we’ll likely hear a lot more from the major candidates. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says get ready to see and hear radio and TV campaign advertisements and a fair share of attack ads from third party groups. He says John Kennedy has the biggest target on his back, because he’s considered the Republican front-runner…

cut 4  (06) “a stick”

A recent statewide poll showed Kennedy and Democrat Foster Campbell are in good position to claim the two run-off spots. Alford says in order for the other candidates to catch-up, they’ll likely have to go negative…

Cut 5  (11)  “break out”

The Presidential and Senate race are the top two races in the state. But Alford says voters will also start to hear more about other races in their area…

Cut 6 (12) “of advertising”

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An effort to change the process in which an elected official is recalled in Louisiana is gaining steam due to Jefferson Parish President Mike Yenni’s sexting scandal. A petition to recall Yenni is making the rounds, but Covington Representative Paul Hollis says gathering all of the required signatures has proven to be difficult in the past..:

CUT 7 (10)  “it’s almost impossible”

In Louisiana petitioners have to collect thirty-three and a third percent of the total number of registered voters in order to be successful. Hollis says the turnout in the Jefferson Parish President race last year was 90,000, despite the fact that there are 270,000 people who can vote..:

Cut 8 (11) “on anything”

Hollis says many other states’ base signature requirements on the percentage of people who voted. He says if you look over all the recalls in the past 50 years, there have been successful recalls, but they’ve been in very small areas…:

Cut 9 (09)  “in my opnion”

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Former KKK leader and Republican U.S. Senate candidate David Duke has been invited to participate in a November 2^nd televised debate because he received 5-percent of the vote in a Raycom Media poll. Executive Director of the Louisiana Democratic Party Stephen Handwerk says they’re using this as an opportunity to raise money to get the word out to voters that Duke has this much support.

Cut 10 (08) “single level”

Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell, issued a statement saying Duke’s destructive rhetoric is a distraction from the campaign, which is about our future, not our past. Handwerk says Duke is an embarrassment to the state.

cut 11 (11) “for Trump”

Calls for comment from Duke were not returned. Handwerk wants Democratic voters to use this as an incentive to go to the polls and vote for a candidate that is good for Louisiana. He says having him involved in this election hurts the state.

cut 12 (10) “tragic floods”

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LSU has created a merit based scholarship for incoming freshman whose mom or dad graduated from LSU or are employed by the school. The Louisiana Tiger Legacy Scholarship Program will be a fixed amount that is only available to Louisiana residents. Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships Amy Marix says the scholarship program starts with the fall 2017 incoming class.

Cut 13 (10) “eight semesters”

Other universities around the country are known for offering similar scholarships. Marix says the purpose of creating this scholarship is to support Louisiana students, especially with the current deficiencies with the TOPS program.

cut 14 (10) “we can”

LSU’s operating scholarship dollars will fund this program. Marix says they want to keep generation after generation going to LSU. She says there are some very strong academic requirements in order to receive the scholarship.

Cut 15 (10) “our students”

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It was a historic night in Tiger Stadium on Saturday as running back Leonard Fournette rushed for a school record for 284 yards as LSU defeated Ole Miss 38-21. Fournette missed the two previous games, because of a bad ankle and says he’s still not 100 percent…

Cut 16  (14)  “ what I did” 

Head Coach Ed Orgeron says it was good to have Fournette back…

Cut 17 (13)” 3-0″

There’s been some who have suggested that Fournette should just sit out the rest of the season, so he doesn’t risk a serious injury that could impact his future NFL career. Fournette says he wanted to be on the field with his teammates…

Cut 18 (20) “working out”

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Saints Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 367 yards and three touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough to overcome several mistakes that led to a 27-21 win for Kansas City. New Orleans was penalized 10 times and had two critical turnovers. Coach Sean Payton says they don’t have enough talent to overcome those kinds of errors

Cut 19 (19)   “types of mistakes”

Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium is one of the toughest venues to play in the NFL for opposing teams. The crowd seemed to affect the Saints, but Payton says it’s not the reason why they lost…

cut 20 (13) “unsportsmanlike conduct”

Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says people don’t seem to be dismissing the idea of a gas tax increase. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A Raycom Media Poll on the U.S. Senate race puts Republican John Kennedy and Democrat Foster Campbell in the runoff if the election were held today. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says, after meeting with residents in each region of the state, there seems to be growing support for increasing the state’s gasoline tax. He says the public realizes a bigger financial investment is needed…:

Cut 3 (09) “and improving infrastructure”

Governor John Bel Edwards named the task force charged with coming up with recommendations on how to repair Louisiana’s transportation problems. Wilson says there is a $13 billion dollar plus backlog in projects that need to be improved throughout the state, but that doesn’t include new infrastructure…:

cut 4  (09) “transportation”

The task force’s proposals are due by the first of the year, and a boost in the gas tax is expected to be one of the key suggestions. Wilson says 19 states link their gas taxes to inflation and other things, and the response from the electorate is most often a positive one because people care about quality transportation. He says they welcome all ideas…:

Cut 5  (11)  “possibly inflation”

(It’s been almost 29 years since the state has adjusted the gas tax, and Wilson says it’s lost almost 50% of its value.)

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is trying to figure out how a 23 foot whale washed up on Little Florida Beach in Cameron Parish. Marine Biologist Mandy Tomlin says whales are in the Gulf of Mexico, but very rarely seen near the coast, so it appears this young whale got separated from its mother…

Cut 6 (11) “very very young”

Tomlin says the whale did not appear to be in good health and they also know a whale washed up recently on a Florida beach. She says they did extensive evaluation of the whale in the hopes of finding out how this happened…

CUT 7 (11)  “worked on”

Tomlin says they took several samples from the whale’s body in the hopes they can figure out why this animal died and they hope to learn more about the sperm whale itself…

Cut 8 (09) “as well”

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A Raycom Media Poll on the US Senate race has Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy and Democratic Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell leading the large field of candidates. In the survey of 625 registered voters, 24 percent say they plan on voting for Kennedy, while 19 percent say Campbell is their choice. ULM Political Science Professor John Sutherlin…

Cut 9 (06)  “likely scenario”

The poll has Republican and former KKK leader David Duke receiving five-percent of the vote, which means he receives an invite to a televised debate on November second. Sutherlin says Duke, who ran for US Senate and Governor in the early 90s, still has good support in rural areas…

Cut 10 (06) “right now”

Democrat Caroline Fayard finished third at 12-percent, followed by Republican Congressmen Charles Boustany and John Fleming, who are at 11 and 10 percent respectively. Sutherlin says it’s unlikely this threesome can make a big jump with election day just over two weeks away…

cut 11 (11) “Kennedy Campbell runoff”

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Three people riding in a dump truck that was towing a trailer are lucky to be alive after it careened over the guardrail into water on Interstate 55 near the Ruddock exit. State Police Trooper Jared Sandifer says only two people were slightly hurt….

cut 12 (12) “ended up being”

Witnesses told a New Orleans TV station that Good Samaritans pulled a woman and child from the water and helped them get to safety. Sandifer says State Police is still following up to confirm those reports…

Cut 13 (10) “above and beyond”

Sandifer says they believe a pickup truck that was pulling a trailer, cut off the dump truck, forcing it over the side of the road. He says the search for that vehicle is ongoing…

cut 14 (09) “law enforcement agency”