PSC Chairman and former Congressman Clyde Holloway of Forrest Hill has passed away at 72. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Louisiana’s high school graduation rate has hit a new high, as has the overall US rate. Michelle Southern reports on today’s numbers released by the White House.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Food prices at the grocery store are down 13-percent from last year. That’s based on a survey from the American Farm Bureau. Louisiana Farm Bureau specialist Neil Melancon says the quarterly survey looks at prices of sixteen different food items and the numbers look much better than they did this time last year.

Cut 3 (08) “year ago”

Steak prices are down 11-percent, while chicken breasts are down 16-pecent and bacon decreased by 3-percent. Melancon says there was a spike in meat prices a few years ago, because the demand outweighed the supply of livestock, but the like livestock supply has been rebuilt.

cut 4  (08) “are now”

Prices for eggs have plummeted a whopping 51-percent, and whole milk is down 10-percent. Melancon expects the next survey, which will be conducted before Thanksgiving, will continue to show lower prices at the grocery store..

Cut 5  (09)  “out there”

Melancon says of the 16 items on the survey, only three increased in price- bagged salad by 16-percent, apples by 10-percent, and potatoes by 3-percent.

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Chairman of the Public Service Commission and former Congressman Clyde Holloway of Forrest Hill has passed away at the age of 72. Former state representative and close friend of Holloway, Woody Jenkins, says Holloway was the type of man who took the initiative and didn’t wait for someone else to tell him what needed to be done.

Cut 6 (10) “mobilize people”

A cause of death was not given. Jenkins says Holloway was an honest man with traditional conservative principles. He says Holloway fought hard to help his hometown of Forrest Hill and wasn’t afraid to run for any political office.

CUT 7 (09)  “the effort”

Holloway served as one of five members of the PSC since 2009, and served in the US House of Representatives from 1987-1993. Louisiana Republican Party Chairman Roger Villere says Holloway was one of the founders of the conservative movement in the state.

Cut 8 (10) “state well”

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A new survey released by JMC Analytics finds democratic Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell tops the poll, coming in at over 23-percent. Pollster John Couvillon says democratic voters are rallying behind Campbell. He says fellow Democrat Caroline Fayard polls at 9-percent, so Campbell’s message seems to be getting out to minority voters.

Cut 9 (07)  “governor”

Couvillon says it looks like it’s now a fight for the second spot in the runoff with Republicans John Kennedy, John Fleming, and Charles Boustany all on each other’s heels. He says right now Kennedy is leading Fleming by one point, but Fleming is well positioned to make the runoff.

Cut 10 (10) “tight race”

The poll was commissioned by the Fleming campaign. Couvillon says Campbell is essentially a lock for the runoff. But he says we can be expect to see a big ramp up in ads from the three major republican candidates.

cut 11 (07) “etcetera”

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The US graduation rate is at an all time high, and so is Louisiana’s. According to a report released by the White House, the Bayou State’s graduation rate for 2014-2015 is 77.5 percent, compared to 74.6 percent the prior year. Louisiana Superintendent of Education John White…:

cut 12 (09) “future for life”

The overall US graduation rate went up to 83- percent. White says years ago Louisiana committed that graduating from high school would be a part of our state’s high school rating system…:

Cut 13 (08) “to make sure it happens”

The numbers from Washington show Asian Americans had a 90.2 percent graduation rate, whites were 88-percent and African Americans at 75-percent. White says Louisiana also has unfortunate gaps between low income students and their peers. He says Louisiana outpaces the nation in terms of improvement, but there is still a long way to go…:

cut 14 (10) “here at home in Louisiana”

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Governor John Bel Edwards and AG Jeff Landry are in court today after the governor sued Landry for blocking protections for members of the LGBT community. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Just weeks after flood victims rolled out of what was a shelter at Celtic Studios in Baton Rouge, camera crews could be rolling in. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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New data from the Associated Press and USA Today shows Louisiana has the second highest rate of accidental shootings involving minors. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Governor John Bel Edwards and Attorney General Jeff Landry are in court today after the governor sued the AG for blocking state legal contracts that had wording to protect members of the LGBT community from workplace discrimination. Jeremy Alford of Lapoltics.com says it’s very unusual to see statewide elected officials sue another…

cut 4  (10) “laws””

Alford says the Governor is making moves by executive order and expects we’ll continue to see these trends throughout the remainder of his term. He says this could be a tough case for the judge to decide.

Cut 5  (09)  “coming term”

Alford says this feud between Governor Edwards and AG Landry has really been going on since the day the two were sworn into office and expects it will continue…

Cut 6 (10) “2019”

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Lights, camera, action! Those words haven’t been spoken at Celtic Studios in Baton Rouge in over a year, but that could change soon, as Louisiana’s film industry is starting to show signs of life. Executive Director Patrick Mulhearn says calls are starting to come in from companies who want to film in Louisiana. He says it’s encouraging to see a light at the end of the tunnel.

CUT 7 (09)  “very soon”

Louisiana’s film industry has seen a downturn because of a 2015 law that placed a capped on the state’s film tax credit program. But Mulhearn believes film companies now have a better understanding of the credits available. He hopes next year, lawmakers will switch the program from a back end cap to a front end cap.

Cut 8 (10) “business here”

Mulhearn says he met with two different productions on the same day, and he hasn’t done that in over a year. He says it looks like things are looking up for Louisiana’s film industry.

Cut 9 (08)  “than later”

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Louisiana ranks second in the nation for accidental shootings involving minors, nearly three times more than the national average. That’s according to new data from the Associated Press and USA today. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says what we don’t know is how kids are getting their hands on these weapons.

Cut 10 (09) “like that”

Alaska was the only state to top Louisiana on the list. The report found Baton Rouge had more accidental shootings than any other city in the Deep South. Moore says often times parents know or suspect that their child has a gun, but they don’t do anything about it.

cut 11 (10) “frustrating part”

The district attorney says there is no state law on the books to make parents responsible for accidental shootings involving children. Moore says that’s why prosecutors can’t charge parents for criminal negligence in allowing these kids to get ahold of a gun.

cut 12 (07) “had it”

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Voters will have a lot to consider on November 8^th. In addition to the federal elections and local races, six constitutional amendments are on the ballot. The Public Affairs Research Council published a guide that explains the proposals to voters. PAR president Robert Travis Scott says three of the amendments will have a big impact on state policy, and one will affect college tuition.

Cut 13 (11) “vote”

Scott says amendment number three would change the state’s corporate tax income structure. He says Louisiana has an upper rate of 8-percent for corporate income taxes, which is relatively high compared to other states in the region. But he says companies are able to take a lot of deductions and exemptions.

cut 14 (11) “for corporations”

Scott says amendment five would create a new state fund, similar to the rainy day fund. He says the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund would trim tax revenue off the top of mineral and corporate taxes during times when they are good, and put that money back to save for when the cycle goes back down.

Cut 15 (12) “for it”

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LSU and Southern Miss were tied at ten at halftime on Saturday night in Death Valley, but the Tigers erupted for four 3rd quarter touchdowns and defeated the Golden Eagles 45-10.  Running back Derrius Guice’s 61 yard touchdown early in the third quarter started a very good second half for the Tigers…

Cut 16  (13)  “second half”

Guice finished with 162 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Danny Etling threw for 3 touchdowns and 276 yards. Etling talked about what Coach Orgeron said at halftime…

Cut 17 (10) “pretty nice”

Etling threw two long touchdown passes in the game, one to DJ Chark and the other to Malachi Dupre. Orgeron liked that LSU was able to hit on a few deep balls…

Cut 18 (11) “stiffer opponents”

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The Saints have a winning streak. New Orleans raced out to a 21-0 lead over the defending NFC championship Carolina Panthers and had to hold for a 41-38 victory. The Saints led by two touchdowns at halftime and Carolina tied it with three touchdowns in the 4th quarter. But rookie Will Lutz kicked a 52-yard field goal with 11 seconds left for the win. Coach Sean Payton on their second consecutive victory

Cut 19 (11)   “do that”

Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 465 yards and four touchdowns, he was also intercepted once. Brandin Cooks had 7 catches for 173 yards and one touchdown. But the 52-yard field goal by Lutz was the difference. Payton is very high on the 22-year-old.

cut 20 (18) ” mental toughness”

Following an explosion at Camp Minden in September, a plan has put into place to dispose over 200-thousand pounds of explosives that contain an unstable chemical compound. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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At the second meeting of the Restore Louisiana Task Force, Congressman Garret Graves urges members to move quickly as more federal aid is coming. Don Molino has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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Officials announce plans to dispose of volatile explosives at Camp Minden in Webster Parish that led to a bunker exploding in September. Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Chuck Brown says there are three bunkers that contain Clean Burning Ignitor, which is deteriorating and becoming more unstable by the day. He says on Monday they will open the doors of one of the bunkers and let the fire out.

Cut 3 (12) “taking off”

The chemical compounds are being stored at Camp Minden after they had been improperly stored by an explosives company that went out of business. The Louisiana National Guard has been burning off M6 propellant in contained burning chambers. Brown says nearly 200-thousand pounds of the CBI will be destroyed, as well as 40-thousand pounds of M6 propellant.

cut 4  (09) “ignitor”

Officials have set three separate dates to burn each of the bunkers, Monday, October 22, and October 29. It will take place early in the morning to take advantage of calm wind. Brown says DEQ and the EPA will be on hand to monitor the air quality. He says they do not anticipate a chain reaction of explosions with their plan.

Cut 5  (10)  “plan in place”

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A 20-year-old Baton Rouge man has been charged with negligent homicide in the shooting death of his mother. BRPD Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says the 37-year-old mother and her son got into a verbal argument, which turned physical…

Cut 6 (10) “striking her”

McKneely says when authorities arrived at the scene, Dexter Clay Jr. was applying pressure to the wound on his mother, Melissa Clay. He says Dexter Clay fully cooperated with police…

CUT 7 (07)  “negligent homicide”

McKneely says the mother was transported to a local hospital where she later died. He says the shooting was clearly an accident…

Cut 8 (10) “through it”

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Flood recovery discussions are ongoing, as the Restore Louisiana Task Force is deciding how to spend the $438 million the state has received so far from the federal government. Republican Baton Rouge Congressman Garrett Graves says they will seek more federal assistance, but it’s important for the state to decide quickly how they’ll allocate the first installment of federal funds.

Cut 9 (10)  “be spent”

Graves says Louisiana’s congressional delegation will seek additional funding from Congress when they return for their lame duck session after the November election. He says the Comite River Diversion project and other flood mitigation plans will be at the top of the list for their funding request.

Cut 10 (07) “and businesses”

Graves says the task force needs to come up with specific areas that need disaster funding, like home repair and mental health. He says it will be easier to get federal dollars approved if Congress understands exactly where the money will go.

cut 11 (10) “next request”

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A 12-year-old and a 14-year-old have been arrested for vandalizing over 50 graves and smashing urns in an Independence Cemetery. Vincent Spitale, president of Colonial Cemetery Association, says this is very upsetting for the families as they have to go through the grieving process again. He says so many things were destroyed.

cut 12 (10) “cement floor”

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office has charged the teens with multiple counts of criminal damage to property, desecration of a grave and simple burglary. Spitale says all the name plates were broken and the doors will have to be replaced. He says he wishes he could understand why the teens did a heinous act like this…

Cut 13 (03) “from it”

Spitale says they aren’t sure how much it will cost to repair the cemetery. He says family members of those whose graves were damaged or destroyed came out to see the destruction.

cut 14 (07) “this time”

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LSU will be without one of their starting safeties in Saturday night’s game against Southern Miss. Head Coach Ed Orgeron says senior Rickey Jefferson suffered a serious leg injury in practice this week….

Cut 15 (14) “I know that”

Junior John Battle will take Jefferson’s spot in the starting line-up.. Coach O’ says the whole team is ready to play after an unexpected week off and the death of the school’s live mascot…

Cut 16  (12)  “on Saturday night”

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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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” 

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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.

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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”

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

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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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”

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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” 

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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”

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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”

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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

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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”

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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”

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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.

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”