The fight for more flood recovery dollars continues today, as Congress reconvenes after the election. Emelie Gunn has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Today is the last day to register with FEMA for disaster assistance. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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It will be a heated GOP-dominated runoff in the 3^rd Congressional District, as Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle and Capt. Clay Higgins go head to head. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Congress reconvenes today, which means Louisiana’s congressional delegation will resume its efforts to get more federal funds appropriated for flood recovery. Baton Rouge Congressman Garrett Graves says right now the state still needs to come up with a plan for spending the $438 million they’ve already received.

cut 4  (10) “an urgency”

The Governor’s Office says the Restore Louisiana Task Force has delayed a vote on how to allocate the funds because the money is tied up in red tape. But Graves says even though they need HUD’s approval, the state should still submit one sooner rather than later.

Cut 5  (09)  “those dollars”

Graves says at this point, they aren’t sure how many payments Louisiana will receive because president-elect Donald Trump’s victory changes the dynamic. He says they’ll probably have to approve a short-term plan before he takes office in January.

Cut 6 (12) “appropriations bill”

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Today is the final day for flood victims to register for Disaster Assistance. Ray Perez with FEMA says approximately 152-thousand individuals have registered for federal aid. He says families are finally able to start the recovery process.

CUT 7 (08)  “or whatever”

Today is also the final day to submit a disaster loan application to the Small Business Administration. Perez says the SBA has already approved $1.15 billion dollars in low interest loans. He says victims are also getting money from National Flood Insurance and even more is expected to be issued.

Cut 8 (09) “been settled”

To apply for federal disaster aid visit disaster-assistance-dot-gov (disasterassistance.org). Perez says just because registration stops today, does not mean that the work stops. He says FEMA will be in Louisiana for the long term because they’re just getting started.

Cut 9 (10)  “file appeals”

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Gas prices have once again dipped below two dollars. Senior Petroleum Analyst with GasBuddy.com, Gregg Laskoski says the nation is seeing prices five cents lower than a week ago, with Louisiana being four cents lower. He says there is a very good chance we will see these gas prices continuing to decline.

Cut 10 (09)          “record high

Laskoski says retail gasoline prices are moving lower and crude oil prices are trading in a steady but narrow range. He says we typically see significant decreases in price through November and December.

cut 11 (08) “refinery production”

Laskoski says these decreases are the continuation of the significant trend of prices dropping lower than they were a year ago.

cut 12 (08) “dramatic”

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Republican Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle is up against fellow GOP contender Capt. Clay Higgins in the runoff for the 3^rd Congressional District seat. Higgins is confident he will win soundly, and he says he feels good going into the runoff. He says if elected, he will not be a part of the corruption in Washington.

Cut 13 (09) “hard work”

Higgins, like many candidates this year, has presented himself as an outsider to voters. He adds that Angelle has been in politics most of his life.

cut 14 (08) “career politician”

Angelle believes he is in a strong position going into the runoff, as he beat Higgins in the polls by three percent. But he says he’s not taking anything for granted.

Cut 15 (07) “great again”

Angelle says he has a long history of disrupting the status quo, which he says is what voters want to see in their elected officials. He says south Louisiana needs a champion in Washington.

Cut 16  (08)  “to work”

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The Golden Boot Trophy is back in Baton Rouge as a result of LSU’s dominating 38-10 win over Arkansas in Razorback Stadium. It’s the Tigers first win over the Hogs since 2013. Interim Head Coach Ed Orgeron says the players were determined to get a win in Fayetteville…

Cut 17 (15)” football team”  (2x)

The Tigers won thanks to a stingy defense that forced three turnovers and a ground game that couldn’t be stopped. LSU had 390 yards rushing. Derrius Guice led the way with 252 yards on 21 carries and two touchdowns. Orgeron says he still had faith in his offense after a tough performance against Alabama…

Cut 18 (18) “ against Florida”

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The Saints lost in a shocking manner on Sunday afternoon in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome as Denver blocks an extra point with 1:22 left in the game and returned it for two points for a 25-23 victory. Will Parks returned the blocked kick for a score. It appeared he may have stepped out of bounds, as he raced to the end zone. Coach Sean Payton was ok with the officials not reversing the call…

Cut 19 (10)   “understand”

The Saints nearly won this game, despite committing four turnovers. Quarterback Drew Brees touchdown pass to Brandin Cooks tied the game, but a jubilant Dome went silent when the blocked kick was returned for a score. The loss drops New Orleans record to 4-5. Payton says the team will have to bounce back, with Carolina coming up on Thursday…

cut 20 (09) “next game”

All of this dry weather in Louisiana is adding up, and drought conditions have gripped the state. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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State Police reminds parents and drivers to be vigilant during Halloween. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Many children in the U.S. are not being vaccinated with the HPV vaccine. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The lack of rain during the month of October in Louisiana has caused drough conditions to develop throughout the region. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the US drought monitor shows 73% of the Bayou State is in drought, and the remaining 27% is considered abnormally dry. He says it’s brutally dry out there…:

cut 4  (10) “of normal rainfall”

Keim says this is considered the 5th driest October since 1895, and it doesn’t look like we’ll be getting any more rain this week either. He says it’s incredible that we went from the August storm event of Biblical proportions and recording breaking flooding, to drought…:

Cut 5  (09)  “use some rain”

Keim says the upside is that this dry weather helps people who are trying to rebuild their homes…:

Cut 6 (10) “for this time of year”

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State Police is giving parents some tips to make sure their trick-or-treaters have a memorable Halloween. Trooper Bryan Lee says it’s a really exciting holiday for kids, so whether you’re taking them out or driving down the roads, it’s important to be vigilant. He says always make sure kids are visible.

CUT 7 (10)  “the street”

Lee reminds parents that masks can often restrict breathing and sight, so make sure your child can see and breathe while wearing their costume. He says it’s always a good idea to check out the sex offender registry before hitting the streets for trick-or-treating at LSP.org.

Cut 8 (08) “are present”

Lee asks drivers to slow down while driving through neighborhoods and avoid distractions. He says historically, Halloween is a deadly holiday when it comes to driving…

Cut 9 (11)  “ride home”

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Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Joe Rallo is visiting north Louisiana this week to engage stakeholders and learn about issues facing that region of Louisiana. Rallo says he will provide an overview and an update on the realities of higher education. He says the upcoming legislative session and how it will impact universities will be a big topic of discussion.

Cut 10 (10) “44%”

Rallo says his message will be that public higher education is an investment, not a cost and hopes people will talk with their legislators to ensure it doesn’t faces more cuts. He says in his two years in this position, he’s learned that each region in Louisiana is different and wants to address all the issues they face.

cut 11 (10) “exciting”

Rallo says he’s excited to get a chance to talk with people in north Louisiana because they are very committed to excelling their communities. He says they are aware of the role higher education plays and how they can help

cut 12 (06) “education”

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The HPV vaccine is a great way to limit a child’s chance of future cancer. That’s according to CDC Director of Immunization Services Dr. Melinda Wharton who says during the ages of 11 and 12, children should be receiving the two shot vaccine..

Cut 13 (11) “anal cancer”

Wharton says the protection received from this vaccine is long lasting and will continue into adulthood. But she says nationally, only about 63-percent of girls have received at least one dose and that number is even lower for boys and the numbers for Louisiana children are similar.

cut 14 (10) “say okay”

Wharton advises parents to bring this up with your child’s pediatrician if it’s not already mentioned. She says when the vaccine was originally introduced, it was recommended that a child get three separate immunizations.

Cut 15 (09) “months later”

A Korean War veteran who died 65 years ago has finally been returned to Crowley to be laid to rest. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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State government is looking at more budget problems. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Souther”

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The Republican Party in Louisiana is so sure Donald Trump has locked up the presidential  votes here, they are sending its volunteers to Florida — a battleground which accounts for 29 electoral votes. Party chair Roger Villere says it’s part of a nationwide effort among GOP members to go door to door in the Sunshine State…:

Cut 3 (09) “win Florida”

Villere says every poll in Louisiana has shown Trump significantly ahead of Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton – some by as many as 20 points. He says in Florida it’s an extremely close race with polls constantly going back and forth…:

cut 4  (08) “we have to win Florida”

Many polls indicate the most realistic path to the White House for Trump includes winning Florida. Villere says if  they’ve had GOP members from Louisiana in the Sunshine State rotating in and out…:

Cut 5  (10)  “for their country”

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A Korean War veteran from Crowley is finally laid to rest in his Louisiana hometown today. Army Sgt. First Class Lawrence Smith died 65 years ago in a prisoner of war camp in North Korea. Alex Juan with the State Department of Veteran’s Affairs says they are so happy to welcome Smith home. She hopes this brings his family peace.

Cut 6 (08) “some peace”

In the early 1990’s, Sgt. Smith’s daughter received a call that North Korea found over 200 boxes of U.S. Servicemen’s remains and her father could be one of them. Juan says the process of properly identifying bodies and shipping them home can take a very long time.

CUT 7 (07)  “burial grounds”

Smith passed away at 26-years-old and is survived by his daughter Melinda Crowley, who plans to bury her father with her late mother. Juan says they are able to identify remains by using DNA testing now. She says full military protocol will be in effect when Smith in finally laid to rest in a family cemetery near Crowley.

Cut 8 (06) “away gets”

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Just over half of the Louisiana residents polled say the state is heading in the wrong direction. A University of New Orleans Survey Research Center Poll surveyed about 600 likely voters and 51-percent are pessimistic about the state’s future. But UNO Pollster Ed Chervenak says 35-percent say the state is moving in the right direction and that’s a 15-percent increase over last year.

Cut 9 (09)  “a result”

Chervenak says the poll shows 64-percent of Republicans are unhappy with the direction the state is headed compared to only 32-percent of Democrats.

Cut 10 (09) “going well”

The survey also found Governor John Bel Edwards’ approval rating is at 56-percent. Chervenak says residents might be more optimistic about the state’s future because Edwards’ has a more positive rating than Jindal.

cut 11 (10) “Baton Rouge area”

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The state is looking at another round of budget cuts because the state finished last fiscal year with a 313 million dollar deficit. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says a few factors are leading to Louisiana continuously facing these budget problems.

cut 12 (10) “are down”

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says many state agencies have been asked to look where they could make cuts and it looks like colleges and healthcare will take the biggest hits. Cross says the oil and gas industry is struggling and a lot of people aren’t spending money…

Cut 13 (08) “are down”

The Edwards’ administration has said they could possibly use the rainy day fund to help offset some of the deficit. Cross says Governor Edwards has put together a panel to try to come up with a way to stabilize the budget.

cut 14 (07) “Louisiana budget”

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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)

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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” 

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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”

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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”