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

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

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

cut 4  (10) “those sites””

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

Cut 5  (11)  “got treated”

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

Cut 6 (10) “research center”

____________________________________________

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

CUT 7 (09)  “abnormally dry”

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

Cut 8 (07) “future”

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

Cut 9 (10)  “like that”

____________________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (09) “going out”

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

cut 11 (10) “Sandy damage”

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

cut 12 (09) “additional funding”

_________________________________________________

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

Cut 13 (09) “good use”

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

cut 14 (08) “that house”

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

Cut 15 (10) “start playing”

_________________________________________________

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

Cut 16  (08)  “and Texas”

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

Cut 17 (08) “might be yours”

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

Cut 18 (11) “for him”

____________________________________________

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

Cut 19 (13)   “for us”

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

cut 20 (10) “…of time”

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

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

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

cut 4  (04)  “150,000”

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

Cut 5  (11)  “from us”

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

Cut 6 (08) “set up”

_____________________________________________

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

CUT 7 (08)  “the escape”

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

Cut 8 (09) “and escaped”

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

Cut 9 (08)  “on the run”

____________________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (08) “the water”

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

cut 11 (08) “with you”

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

cut 12 (08) “your speeds”

_________________________________________________

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

Cut 13 (09) “disease states”

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

cut 14 (08)  “make progress”

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

Cut 15 (09) “national objective”

_________________________________________________

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

Cut 16  (10)  “play the game”

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

Cut 17 (12)  “to play”

________________________________________________

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

Cut 18 (12) “lightly”

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

Cut 19 (16)   “be ready”

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

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

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

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

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

CUT 3 (09)  “to wane”

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

CUT 4 (08)  “more supportive”

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

CUT 5 (10)  “crisis intervention”

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

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

CUT 6 (09) “mentor teacher”

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

CUT 7 (10) “lead teacher”

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

CUT 8 (09) “mini me”

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

CUT 9 (07) “fully yet” 

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

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

cut 10 (08)  “in Jefferson Parish”

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

Cut 11 (06) “to vote”

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

cut 12 (08) “or kick out”

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

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

Cut 13 (09)  “trump that”

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

cut 14 (09)  “college degrees”

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

cut 15 (09) “college education”

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

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

cut 16 (09) “while fleeing on foot”

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

cut 17 (08) “initial stop”

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

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

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

cut 4  (10)  “bad day”

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

Cut 5  (10)  “I was”

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

Cut 6 (12) “somewhere”

_____________________________________________

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

CUT 7 (07)  “it’s appropriate”

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

Cut 8 (08) “the case”

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

Cut 9 (07)  “a year”

____________________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (08) “may be”

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

cut 11 (09) “police department”

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

cut 12 (11) “the charges”

_________________________________________________

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

Cut 13 (11) “the debate”

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

cut 14 (09)  “years ago”

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

Cut 15 (08) “his lawsuit”

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

_________________________________________________

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

Cut 16  (14)  “App state team”

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

Cut 17 (17)  “be offensive line”

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

Cut 18 (12) “his attitude”

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

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

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

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

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

CUT 3 (10)  “that of us” 2x

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

CUT 4 (09)  “on school campuses”

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

CUT 5 (10)  “taking place”

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

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

CUT 6 (10) “him elected”

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

CUT 7 (11) “excuse yourself”

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

CUT 8 (09) “to make”

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

CUT 9 (10) “believing that” 

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

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

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

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

Cut 11 (06) “and interactive”

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

cut 12 (10) “I’m very thankful”

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

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

Cut 13 (10)  “emergency care”

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

cut 14 (10)  “out of pocket”

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

cut 15 (12) “their docors”

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

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

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn” (29

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (25) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

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

cut 4  (07)  “they treat”

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

Cut 5  (09)  “behavioral health”

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

Cut 6 (10) “lead to”

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

_____________________________________________

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

CUT 7 (10)  “benefits”

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

Cut 8 (10) “so many”

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

Cut 9 (12)  “to do”

____________________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (08) “overall”

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

cut 11 (09) “T-bone”

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

cut 12 (09) “severe accidents”

_________________________________________________

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

Cut 13 (10) “very patriotic”

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

cut 14 (09)  “September 11″

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

Cut 15 (11) “I don’t know”

_________________________________________________

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

Cut 16  (11)  “was positive”

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

Cut 17 (19)  “on Saturday”

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

Cut 18 (16) “here on that”

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

Cut 19 (11)   “Southern Miss”

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

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

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

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

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

CUT 3 (11)  “yard anymore”

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

CUT 4 (07)  “euthanasia”

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

CUT 5 (09)  “four and five”

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

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

CUT 6 (09) “in place”

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

CUT 7 (10) “the race”

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

CUT 8 (09) “to whom”

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

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

CUT 9 (09) “their property” 

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

cut 10 (08)  “long path”

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

Cut 11 (07) “are protected”

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

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

cut 12 (09) “on November 19th”

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

Cut 13 (10)  “division champions are”

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

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

cut 14 (10)  “low turnout”

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

cut 15 (08) “voters”

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

cut 16 (09) “the voter”

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

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

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

cut 4  (11)  “the waste heat”

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

Cut 5  (11)  “construction jobs”

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

Cut 6 (08) “increased emissions”

_____________________________________________

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

CUT 7 (09)  “misbehaving more”

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

Cut 8 (10) “from schools”

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

Cut 9 (10)  “in Louisiana”

____________________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (11) “national average”

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

cut 11 (08) “anti-poverty program”

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

cut 12 (10) “a good thing”

_________________________________________________

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

Cut 13 (10) “right direction”

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

cut 14 (10)  “of help”

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

Cut 15 (09) “you need”

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

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

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

CUT 2 (33)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

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

CUT 3 (12)  “the others”

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

CUT 4 (09)  “the fridge (laughs)”

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

CUT 5 (09)  “why not”

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

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

CUT 6 (10) “not gonna be rescheduled”

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

CUT 7 (10) “earlier in the week”

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

CUT 8 (10) “what not”

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

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

CUT 9 (11) “low point” 

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

cut 10 (08)  “in writing”

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

Cut 11 (10) “your contractor”

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

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

cut 12 (09) “southern Gulf”

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

Cut 13 (11)  “take place”

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

cut 14 (09)  “Louisiana goes”

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

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

cut 15 (10) “that test”

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

cut 16 (08) “to resign”

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

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

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

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

cut 4  (08)  “haunted house”

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

Cut 5  (09)  “haunted house”

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

Cut 6 (09) “go through”

_____________________________________________

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

CUT 7 (07)  “their base”

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

Cut 8 (07) “strong candidate”

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

Cut 9 (10)  “particular race”

____________________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (07) “do whatever”

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

cut 11 (10) “be possible”

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

cut 12 (10) “championship game”

____________________________________________________

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

Cut 13 (08) “immediately”

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

cut 14 (10)  “their congressman” 

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

Cut 15 (13) “to show for”

_________________________________________________

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

Cut 16  (14)  “move forward”

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

Cut 17 (11)  “as an advantage”

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

Cut 18 (12) “you that”

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