Marksville state Representative Robert Johnson says legislators must do whatever they can to prevent another incident like last Tuesday’s fatal city marshal shooting from happening again. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Eric Gill”

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The first face-to-face meeting between Democrat John Bel Edwards and Republican David Vitter resulted in a few verbal jabs between the two gubernatorial candidates. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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 The first televised debate since the primary is tonight at 7 between gubernatorial candidates Republican David Vitter and Democrat John Bel Edwards. Emelie Gunn has more….

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The city of Marksville is trying to come to grips as why city marshals opened fire on a vehicle last week, killing a 6-year-old boy. Derrick Stafford and Norris Greenhouse, Jr. are accused of shooting and killing Jeremy Mardis following a police chase. Marksville state Representative Robert Johnson says he’s looking to determine under what authority the city marshal acts…

cut 4  (10)  “deadly force”

He says legislators must do whatever they can to prevent a tragedy such as this from happening again. Because Mardis and his father, Chris Few, are white and the suspects are black, there is concern that some will try to make this incident a racial issue. Johnson doesn’t believe that to be the case…

Cut 5  (06)  “was not followed”

He described actions and conduct of the suspects in the shooting as unconscionable. Johnson says he’ll introduce legislation to tighten controls on the use of weapons by local marshals…

Cut 6 (09)  “that police conduct”

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 Democrat John Bel Edwards and Republican David Vitter went toe to toe during an hour long debate at the Baton Rouge Press Club. The two candidates for governor made the case on why they should be elected November 21^st. Edwards says if elected, he will govern in a way that is bi-partisan and that reaches out to everyone across the state.

CUT 7 (11)  “move forward”

 Edwards says as governor, he will be the leader that puts Louisiana first. He says after 8 years of Governor Jindal’s failed leadership and disastrous polities, it’s time for a change.

Cut 8  (10)  “common interest”

 Vitter says he and Edwards have starkly different voting records and will take the state in opposite directions. He says the Edwards campaign wants to avoid discussing the key issues Louisiana is facing.

Cut 9 (11) “complete myth”

Vitter says he has led the effort on real reform by strongly working to increase jobs in the state, as well as, expanding charter schools. He says Edwards has a completely different record.

Cut 10 (09) “of Obamacare” 

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 The first televised debate between gubernatorial candidates Democrat John Bel Edwards and Republican David Vitter will air tonight on LPB stations around the state. The debate will be from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross predicts the candidates will be aggressive, especially because of recent attack ads.

cut 11 (07) “both of them”

 Cross says Edwards will likely try to reach out to Republican voters by emphasizing some of his conservative views like being pro-gun and pro-life. And he says Edwards still needs to introduce himself to voters.

Cut 12 (07) “his name”

Recent polls show Edwards leading Vitter for the November 21^st runoff. Cross says with Election Day right around the corner, both Edwards and Vitter will throw major shots at each other.

Cut 13 (08)  “either candidate”

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The new CFP rankings come out tonight and Jerry Palm with CBSsports.com believes there’s still a chance that LSU will be one of four teams to make it to the College Football Playoff, even after the loss to Alabama. He says having one loss doesn’t automatically mean you don’t make the playoffs and he doesn’t think that all of the teams will be undefeated anyway…:

Cut 14 (07) “other teams do”

Palm doesn’t put high odds on LSU playing for the SEC Title, as Alabama is playing as good as anyone right now. He says assuming Nick Saban’s team can finish 12-1 and make the playoffs, if LSU wins the rest of their games the Tigers could end up being the SEC representative in the Sugarbowl…:

Cut 15  (10)  “for Florida”

LSU still has to play and win against Arkansas, Ole Miss and Texas A&M to stay alive. When the first rankings of the season were released last week, LSU was ranked No. 2 and Alabama No. 4. The Tigers fell to No. 9 this week in the AP Poll, but Palm has LSU at No. 5 in his projections…:

Cut 16  (10)  “schedule”

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LSU running back Leonard Fournette is not discouraged and gives credit to Alabama for holding him to 31 yards in Saturday’s loss to Alabama. Fournette says it was obvious from the beginning of the game, the Crimson Tide were going to do all they could to stop him…

Cut 17 (19) “work on”

Fournette says Alabama played great team defense, but the Alabama players didn’t gloat about what they did…

Cut 18 (12) “stay focused”

Fournette says the team needs to move past this one and look forward to Saturday’s contest at home against Arkansas…

Cut 19 (08) “us together”

Bond for the two men charged with second degree murder in the death of 6-year-old Jeremy Mardis has been set at $1 million each. Eric Gill takes a look at what happens next…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Lafayette City-Parish President Mayor Joey Durel says the movie theater where a man opened fire on a crowd of people in July, will open its doors for the first time since the shootings in 10 days. Eric Gill reports…:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Today, State Police honored the four people who rendered aid to Trooper Steven Vincent while he was critically wounded during a traffic stop in August. Vincent was shot and killed while trying to assist a motorist with his vehicle. Master Trooper Brooks David says these four men are being honored for their bravery and selfless service…

CUT 3 (10)  “has a weapon” 

One being recognized is Robert LeDoux who subdued the alleged shooter, 54-year-old Kevin Daigle, and held him until officers arrived. David says the actions of these men were over and above what anyone would have expected…

CUT 4 (08)  “fellow trooper”

David says Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson felt it was important for LSP to recognize these four individuals…

CUT 5 (05)  “our trooper”

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Bond for the two men arrested in the death of 6-year-old Jeremy Mardis has been set at $1 million each. Norris Greenhouse, Jr. and Derrick Stafford are charged with second degree murder in the child’s death. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the next major step in this case is a charging decision…

CUT 6 (09) “negligent homicide”

Mardis was killed when Marksville City Marshals fired on the vehicle he was riding in with his father last week. Ciolino says charges against the men could rise to first degree murder or potentially fall to negligent homicide depending on what the grand jury decides…

CUT 7 (07)  “term of years”

It’s reported that City Marshals fired 18 shots into the vehicle. State Police Col. Mike Edmonson says there is body cam footage of the incident and Ciolino says that evidence will be critical in moving this case forward…

CUT 8 (08)  “to intent”

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Lafayette City-Parish President Mayor Joey Durel says the movie theater where a man opened fire on a crowd of people in July, will open its doors for the first time since the shootings in 10 days. On July 23rd, a crazed man shot and killed two women and injured several others at the Grand 16 shortly after a film had started. Durel says this is a symbolic development

CUT 9 (06)  “you’re released”

Durel stresses that while this is another step in the way of healing for the community, he realizes the victims and their families will be suffering from this horrific event for many years. He says The Grand Theater will open its doors again on November 19th at 7pm…:

cut 10 (11)  “everything”

Durel says within 36 hours of the shooting, the owner of the theater, George Solomon, said he wanted to do something as a gift to Lafayette so he decided to completely gut and renovate the establishment. He says the community will feel a collective sense of relief once The Grand on Johnston Street opens back up as it’s in a place thousands of cars go by everyday..:

Cut 11 (09)  “of Lafayette”

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In response to a question about his prostitution scandal, Republican Gubernatorial candidate David Vitter said he failed his family 15 years ago. But Vitter says the good news is that he asked and received forgiveness

cut 12 (08)  “as from God”

His opponent in the governor’s race, Democrat John Bel Edwards, has a television AD that claims Vitter missed a vote in the US House of Representatives in 2001 to honor fallen soldiers, but took a call from a prostitute. Edwards says while Vitter has received forgiveness, we shouldn’t forget…

cut 13 (06)  “as well”

In 2007, Vitter apologized for what he called a very serious sin. He was also asked today at the Baton Rouge Press Club whether the behavior that led to the serious sin has stopped…

cut 14 (06) “absolutely yes” 

In his response, Vitter didn’t deny the acussations made in the so-called “Patriots for Prostitutes” ad, but Edwards stands by the facts of the commercial…

cut 15 (10)  “angry now”

Louisiana Congressmen Ralph Abraham and Cedric Richmond introduce a bill that seeks to prevent deaths of high school football players. Emelie Gunn has more….

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A devastating disease of roses caused by the rose rosette virus has been confirmed for the first time in Louisiana. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

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The two candidates for governor will go face-to-face today as they are both expected to appear at the Baton Rouge press club. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana Congressmen Ralph Abraham of Alto and Cedric Richmond of New Orleans introduce a bill which tries to prevent death of high school football players. Abraham says the bill will require the CDC to ask for input from parents, coaches, athletic trainers and other health care professionals to discover new methods to prevent future serious injuries or death.

cut 4  (10)  “this study”

Abraham’s office says since July 1^st, 11 high school football players have died around the country due to reasons related to football, including 16-year-old Tyrell Cameron from Franklin Parish High School. He says a young person shouldn’t lose their life by playing football…

Cut 5  (11)  “local teams”

Abraham says the bill would not impose any new regulations, it only directs existing federal agencies to study the issue and offer recommendations for solutions. He says the goal is to keep kids safe, while playing a game that is supposed to be fun…

Cut 6 (08)  “bill is about”

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A devastating disease of roses caused by the rose rosette virus has been confirmed for the first time in Louisiana. Rose rosette disease was discovered at a commercial landscape in Bossier City. LSU AgCenter “Plant Doctor” Raj Singh says this disease is very deadly to all different kinds of roses…

CUT 7 (06)  “are infected”

He says several different types of symptoms have been reported on infected roses, including “witch’s broom”, excessive thorniness, and abnormal discoloration. Singh says they’re not sure if this disease has spread to other locations in the state…

Cut 8  (08)  “look at it”

He says rose enthusiasts should make themselves aware of the symptoms of rose rosette disease. Singh says while there is cause for concern, you should stay calm if you think your roses are infected…

Cut 9 (07) “drastic action”

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The US House has passed a $325 billion dollar transportation package, and has now formed a conference committee with the Senate so that Congress can compromise on how to fund it. They have until November 20th to complete a report for the President’s desk, when highway funding is set to expire. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is on the compromise committee…:

Cut 10 (11) “for years” 

The highway bill approved by the House calls for spending $261 billion on highways and $55 billion on transit over six years. The Senate passed similar legislation that guaranteed highway funding for three years. Graves says they are pushing programs for upgrades on nationally significant roadways that should be a priority — such as I-10, I-49 and I-12…:

cut 11 (11) “projects”

Graves says the House blocked an amendment that would have raised the 18.4 cent federal gas tax, which funds highways, by 15 cents, because he feels there are other ways to pay for transportation projects…:

Cut 12 (11) “efficiently now”

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During the LSU-Alabama game, Democratic candidate for governor John Bel Edwards unveiled a new TV attack ad accusing Republican opponent David Vitter of answering a prostitute’s call after skipping a vote to honor soldiers killed in the line of duty. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Edwards is on the attack, because internal polls must be showing Vitter is gaining ground…

Cut 13 (03)  “beat him”

The polls on the governor’s race that have been made public, show Edwards with a double-digit lead over Vitter. Pinsonat expects the November 21st race to be tight and the Edwards campaign has decided to go on the offensive…

Cut 14 (10) “from happening”

In 2007, Vitter apologized for a “very serious sin” after his phone records were linked to a Washington DC prostitution ring. The Senator has tried to move on from the scandal during this campaign. Pinsonat says there is a risk when a candidate goes negative against his opponent and we saw that play out in the primary…

Cut 15  (06)  “last week”

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The LSU Tigers are still ranked in the top 10, but their chances of winning the SEC or being involved in the college football playoffs took a serious hit after losing to Alabama 30-16. The Bayou Bengals couldn’t stop Bama running back Derrick Henry, who rushed for 210 yards and three touchdowns, while LSU’s Leonard Fournette rushed for 31 yards. Coach Les Miles on Fournette’s performance…

Cut 16  (20)  “top of us”

LSU is ranked 9th in the latest AP poll. They can still win the SEC West, but the Tigers will have to hope Alabama losses another SEC game and LSU will have to win out. Miles believes his team can rebound to finish the season strong…

Cut 17 (14) “on Monday”

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Disappointing loss for the  Saints on Sunday as they allowed Tennessee to come into the Mercedes Benz Superdome and leave with its 2nd victory of the season. The Titans topped New Orleans 34-28 in overtime. Saints Coach Sean Payton says they made too many mistakes to win…

Cut 18 (13) “from winning”

The Saints led the game for much of the contest. Tennessee tied it with a touchdown in the 4th quarter. And New Orleans had a chance to win it in the final minute, but Kai Forbath’s field goal was block. Payton says just one of many reasons why they lost.

Cut 19 (16) “of areas”

If you’re looking for some fun his weekend, you may want to head to the Vermilion Parish town of Abbeville for its annual Giant Omelette Celebration. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Sports bars across the state will be filled with fans cheering for the Tigers during the LSU-Alabama game. Emelie Gunn has more….

CUT 2 (25)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

This weekend the Vermilion Parish town of Abbeville will hold its annual Giant Omelette Celebration. One of the organizers, Liz Broussard, says the event began 31 years ago after a group from Abbeville attended an omelet celebration in France and decided to do their own. She says the celebration started out as a small affair…

CUT 3 (10)  “great event” 

The festival kicks off Saturday and includes arts and crafts, live music, an antique car show, egg tossing contests and more, culminating in the serving of the giant omelet Sunday afternoon. Broussard says the omelet will include 5,031 eggs and other delicious ingredients…

CUT 4 (08)  “have Tabasco”

Admission to the celebration is free and the 12 foot omelet is served to the public free of charge. Broussard says over the course of 31 years, the Giant Omelette Celebration has gained some notoriety…

CUT 5 (09)  “particular honors”

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The State Department of Health and Hospitals says over 11-hundred businesses, schools and colleges have received a special designation to show that they support healthy living. They have been designated as a “Well Spot” and D-H-H Assistant Secretary JT Lane says that means they’ve made a conscious effort to help people lead healthier lifestyles.

CUT 6 (10) “stopping smoking”

Lane says Louisiana has such a rich culture and by increasing these “Well Spots” we’re allowing people to live longer to enjoy the beauty of our state. He says for a business to be designated they are proactively banning smoking or providing incentives for healthier behaviors.

CUT 7 (10)  “and country”

Lane says this is a volunteer program with no monetary reward. But he says there is a financial impact because we’re paying for our bad habits today with increased healthcare premiums and treatment for preventable illnesses.

CUT 8 (11)  “this state”

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Sports bars around the state will be packed for the big game between LSU and Alabama on Saturday night. Co-founder of the Walk-On’s chain Brandon Landry says he expects his establishments to be filled several hours before the game starts.

CUT 9 (10)  “to be”

Landry says in the past for big games like this, he’s seen fans get there two to three hours before kickoff to pre-game. He says whenever LSU plays it’s great for business except tables don’t turn as usual.

cut 10 (09)  “the atmosphere”

Landry says obviously they want LSU to win, but it’s also great for business because when people are happy, they’re out eating and drinking.

Cut 11 (09)  “got plenty”

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Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Don Briggs is not surprised  President Barack Obama said no to a proposal to build the Keystone Pipeline. Obama’s decision ended a seven-year debate over the Canada-to-Texas project that energy advocates said would create thousands of jobs and lower gas prices. Briggs says the President has never liked the idea of this pipeline

cut 12 (07)  “at all”

Environmental groups applaud the President’s decision as they had concerns for the communities along the pipeline’s route. Mr. Obama also said the pipeline would undercut efforts to fight climate change. Briggs says the pipeline would have been a big asset to energy production efforts in Louisiana…

cut 13 (05)  “export it”

Briggs says energy groups will push for the pipeline again after a new President is elected…

cut 14 (07) “happen again” 

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Early voting for the November 21st runoff election begins statewide Saturday. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

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 A slow-moving cold front will bring a lot of rain across the state. Emelie Gunn has more….

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Naturally, the Republican Party of Louisiana isn’t happy about Jay Dardenne’s endorsement of John Bel Edwards for governor, but the Democrats are thrilled. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Early voting for the November 21st runoff election begins statewide Saturday. Polls will be open from 8:30AM to 6:00PM through November 14th. Early voting locations will be closed Sunday and again Wednesday, in honor of Veterans’ Day. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says now that we’re in the runoff, hopefully more Louisiana voters will cast their ballot…

cut 4  (06)  “better on it”

Only 39-percent of voters turned out for last month’s primary election. Of course the marquee races on the ballot are for Governor, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General. But Schedler says there are other races on the ballot that still need to be decided…

Cut 5  (09)  “board seats”

He says there were over 1,000 offices up for grabs statewide in the primary election and approximately 156 remain. Schedler encourages voters to take advantage of early voting because some conflicts could come up on November 21st…

Cut 6 (08)  “and the like”

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A slow-moving cold front is going to bring a lot of rain across the entire state over the next few days. Mike Marcotte Forecaster with The National Weather Service in Lake Charles says they’re anticipating 24 to 36 hours of moderate to heavy rains into Saturday.

CUT 7 (10)  “few areas”

 Marcotte says this rain event is going to cause temperatures to drop about 10 to 15 degrees into Monday. He says with this front, there comes the chance of more flooding.

Cut 8  (09)  “rainfall”

 Marcotte says we’re in one of the strongest El Nino patterns in history and that is the main reason for the heavy rainfall we’ve seen over the past three weekends.

Cut 9 (09) “rainfall”

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 The Republican party of Louisiana is not happy with Republican Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne’s endorsement of Democrat John Bel Edwards for Governor. Chairman Roger Villere says he feels as if this is an act of betrayal to the Republican Party for all the years they supported Dardenne as a Republican elected official.

Cut 10 (08) “of him” 

Villere says Edwards stands for everything Dardenne has been against during his years in office. He says it is a shame that Dardenne ended his political career on such a sour note and in all his years as GOP chairman, he hasn’t ever seen a popular former candidate flip flop parties the way Dardenne did.

cut 11 (09) “just shocked”

 Spokesperson for the Louisiana Democratic Party Beau Tidwell says Villere called Dardenne the ‘Nick Saban of Louisiana Politics” because he’s stung and upset. He says this endorsement is great for the Edwards campaign and the cause in general.

Cut 12 (10) “party labels”

Tidwell says we finally have a chance to turn the page of Jindal’s old Republican ways. He says this endorsement welcomes other Republicans to come forward and publicly support Edwards for governor.

Cut 13 (08)  “right versus wrong”

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State Police say there was no gun found in the vehicle involved in the death of a 6-year-old who was fatally shot multiple times as city marshals in Marksville opened fire on the SUV he was riding in. The incident happened November 3rd. State Police Col Mike Edmonson…:

Cut 14 (04) “in his car”

Avoyelles Parish Coroner Dr. LJ Mayeaux reported that 25-year-old Chris Few, the father of the victim, was fleeing from the city marshals who opened fire on the vehicle at the end of the chase. He says the little boy was shot several times. Edmonson said yesterday afternoon they are letting the cops involved rest before they are questioned for the investigation…:

Cut 15  (04)  “at this time”

It’s reported that the father of the child victim, Few, had warrants out for his arrest which is why the Ward 2 City Marshal deputies gave chase when Few didn’t pull over. Edmonson said Thursday afternoon he had not spoken to the City Marshal and no interviews had taken place. He did say the incident was caught on tape…:

Cut 16  (05)  “put that together”

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The LSU football team leaves today for Alabama where they’ll take on the Crimson Tide tomorrow night in a Saturday night showdown in Tuscaloosa. LSU is looking to keep its perfect season intact and Coach Les Miles wants his players to leave it all on the field…

Cut 17 (18) “good you are”

Miles says whoever controls the line of scrimmage will be your winner in this game…

Cut 18 (20) “in some fashion”

LSU has lost four straight to Alabama. Senior safety Jalen Mills says it would mean a lot to the seniors if they can get a win in Tuscaloosa…

Cut 19 (11) “will be big”

Republican Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne has crossed party lines and endorsed Democrat John Bel Edwards in Louisiana’s gubernatorial runoff election. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Five years after the BP Oil Spill, dolphins in Barataria Bay in the Gulf are still being negatively affected. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Republican Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne has crossed party lines and endorsed Democrat John Bel Edwards in Louisiana’s gubernatorial runoff election. In his endorsement, Dardenne stated that honor, integrity, truthfulness, openness, and ethical behavior are the most important traits of public service…

CUT 3 (09)  “make it true” 

Dardenne finished fourth in last month’s primary election. He says electing Vitter as governor would do further damage to the Republican brand in Louisiana. Dardenne says he’s come to know and respect Edwards during the course of this campaign…

CUT 4 (10)  “in Louisiana”

Dardenne says he will remain a Republican, but believes Edwards is the best man for the job. In accepting the endorsement, Edwards says he’s grateful for Dardenne’s friendship and counsel…

CUT 5 (05)  “his input”

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A study finds five years after the Deep Water Horizon oil spill, dolphins are still having a hard time reproducing in Barataria Bay in the gulf. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration wildlife epidemiologist Lori Schwacke says they tracked pregnant dolphins in the area and discovered only about 20-percent  were actually giving birth to viable calves.

CUT 6 (10) “these conditions”

Schwacke says all the evidence leads to these problems being linked to the BP spill. She says in other studies, they also discovered an increased amount of stranding of these animals and the higher mortality rate within the oil spill footprint.

CUT 7 (09)  “increased mortality”

Schwacke says the oil spill not only immediately caused a loss of many dolphins but now many suffer from long lasting abnormalities, which severely harm their reproductive systems. She says the restoration efforts in Barataria and the entire gulf are going to be critical to keep up the dolphin population…:

CUT 8 (08)  “to recover”

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Former Governor Mike Foster says he is strongly supporting Republican David Vitter in the November 21st gubernatorial runoff. Foster, who is also a Republican, served as Louisiana’s governor from 1996-2004. He says the idea that the national Democratic Party would have an inroad to our state if John Bel Edwards is elected, scares him…:

CUT 9 (08)  “their policies”

Foster says over the years, as Governor and as a private citizen, when he called on Vitter, there was always a quick response and follow up on important matters. Foster says he’s afraid of liberal policies, and the fact that he’s chosen one candidate over another is not personal…:

cut 10 (11)  “is going”

Foster says Vitter has consistently led with clear, strong conservative Louisiana principles. He feels Democrats tend to use a lot of politics where they turn groups against each other…:

Cut 11 (10)  “turns me off”

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Excitement is building in Tuscaloosa ahead of the SEC showdown between No. 2 LSU and No. 4 Alabama Saturday night. Jim Page is the President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama…:

cut 12 (12)  “no different”

The big contest kicks off at 7pm. Page says there are already loads of LSU fans in town as folks usually like to celebrate this game as soon as possible, and they even stay longer after it’s over…:

cut 13 (10)  “about that”

Page says they’ve done research in recent years, and found that an average Alabama home football game would have about a $17 million dollar economic impact. But larger games, like the Iron Bowl, boost that number greatly…:

cut 14 (11) “huge, huge event” 

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WalletHub has released their list of the Fattest States in America and Louisiana comes in at number two. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The city of New Orleans is thrilled they’ve been chosen to host the College Football National Championship in 2020. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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 A new poll shows close races for Lt. Governor and Attorney General. Emelie Gunn has more….

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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WalletHub has released their list of the Fattest States in America and Louisiana comes in at number two. The personal finance website unveiled their list in conjunction with National Diabetes Awareness Month. Spokesperson Jill Gonzales says a big factor in Louisiana’s ranking is the number of children in the state who are overweight or obese…

cut 4  (08)  “into adulthood”

Louisiana ranked 6th in the percentage of adults who are obese, 2nd in the percentage of adults eating less than one serving of fruits or vegetables per day, and 1st in the percentage of residents with hypertension. Gonzalez says a bright spot is that the state did not fall in the top ten for the percentage of people with Type II Diabetes…

Cut 5  (09)  “couple of years”

Mississippi ranked as the fattest state in the country. Gonzalez says it’s not a coincidence they released this ranking just before the holidays…

Cut 6 (08)  “holiday season”

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The city of New Orleans is thrilled they’ve been chosen to host the College Football National Championship in 2020. Executive Director of the New Orleans Host Committee for the CFP Championship Jeff Hundley says this marks the 28th time that the city has hosted the top two NCAA football team contest. He says the Sugar Bowl committee was very generous with the bid.

CUT 7 (09)  “Sugar Bowl Committee”

Hundley says the cooperation and teamwork from the state and city on down were pivotal in gaining the rights to host this game. He says in addition to the funding from the Sugar Bowl and legislation passed last spring which allowed them to bid, they had lots of help from several entities…:

Cut 8  (12)  “community effort”

New Orleans lost their first bid to host the CFP and also got beat out by another city when it went after the 2018 Super Bowl. Also last year, attempts to get any of the 2017-20 Final Fours were unsuccessful. But Hundley says this time, they were able to show the panel that New Orleans is busy with construction everywhere, and lots popping up the next 4 years:

Cut 9 (10) “New Orleans”

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 A new statewide poll shows tight races for Lt. Governor and Attorney General. The survey of 600 Louisiana voters was paid for by Nextstar television stations and conducted by JMC Analytics. Pollster John Couvillon says in the AG’s race, Republican Jeff Landry has a slight lead over Republican incumbent Buddy Caldwell, 38 to 34-percent. He says 29-percent are undecided.

Cut 10 (10) “the runoff” 

Couvillion says he anticipates these two races will be neck and neck until November 21^st.He says in the Lt. Governor’s race, Billy Nungesser is barely ahead of Kip Holden, coming in at 40-percent to Holden’s 39-percent.

cut 11 (08) “vote for”

 Couvillon says we’re seeing a huge percentage of undecided voters in these two elections but expects that number to change closer to runoff.

Cut 12 (08) “Election Day”

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The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office is putting a warning out about a batch of poisonous heroin on the streets. They say 2 known drug abusers were found dead this week at a home in Luling after injecting heroin. Sheriff Greg Champagne says recently in Chicago, 74 people overdosed on a “bad batch” of heroin in a three day period and he is fairly confident that’s what happened with the Luling double death overdose…:

Cut 13 (10)  “of this out there”

Champagne says heroin is often cut with various substances to stretch the supply and there have even been documented cases of rat poison being used. He says heroin is becoming an epidemic around the country with alarming frequency…:

Cut 14 (10) “to understand”

 ______________________________________

The Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control says a judge has ruled in their favor and has reinstated the suspensions of three French Quarter strip clubs. Commissioner Troy Hebert originally ordered a suspension of the businesses’ alcohol permits after uncovering drugs and prostitution there. His ruling was overturned, but put back in place Wednesday…:

Cut 15  (09)  “easy effort”

An administrative hearing is scheduled for these strip clubs on Monday in New Orleans. He says the effort to clean up this criminal activity in the French Quarter is far from over and they expect there will be more alcohol suspensions issued as their undercover operation continues…:

Cut 16  (09)  “going on”

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The Saints take a three-game winning streak into Sunday’s game against the Titans, who have lost six in a row. Quarterback Drew Brees is coming off one of his best performances, as he threw for a career-high 511 yards and seven touchdowns in a wild 52-49 win over Giants. Brees says it will be hard to duplicate that performance again

Cut 17 (20) “to happen”

After a sluggish start to the season, the Saints offense has taken off since a disappointing loss in Philadelphia. In the last three games, New Orleans has scored 110 points. Brees gives credit to a maturing group of young wide receivers…

Cut 18 (20) “the table”

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We’re getting closer to the big game between 2nd ranked LSU and 4th ranked Alabama. Starting center Ethan Pocic says he’s trying to keep his emotions in check as the team continues preparations…

Cut 19 (18) “be ready”

The play of the offensive line will have a big say on who wins this game as the Tigers will look to establish Heisman trophy candidate Leonard Fournette. Starting guard Will Clapp says theya re ready for the challenge…

Cut 20 (08) “fall in”

Authorities in central Louisiana say a 6-year-old child is dead and his father in critical condition following a pursuit and officer involved shooting. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The state House Republican caucus endorses Senator David Vitter in Louisiana’s gubernatorial runoff, but will Senate Republicans do the same? Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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State Police says City Marshals from the Ward 2 office in Marksville were involved in a shooting following a pursuit that left a child dead and his alleged father gravely injured. Trooper Scott Moreau says the initial investigation revealed that officers fired on the vehicle at the conclusion of the pursuit…

CUT 3 (07)  “pronounced dead” 

Avoyelles Parish Coroner, Dr. L.J. Mayeux, says apparently a warrant had been issued for the driver, Chris Few, which is why he was being sought by officers. He says a chase later ensued…:

CUT 4 (07)  “car”

The child is identified as Jeremy Mardis. Mayeaux says once the chase ended, there was an exchange of gunfire and Few was hit and later lifted by Air-Med to Rapides General Hospital where he remains in critical condition…:

CUT 5 (09)  “several times”

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State Police is investigating a fatal hit and run crash that forced an 18-wheeler over the guardrail on I-10 West into the Pearl River near the Louisiana-Mississippi line. State Police Sgt. Nick Manale says three vehicles are thought to be involved in last night’s crash, two big rigs and a black pickup truck, which fled the scene.

CUT 6 (10) “this time”

Manale says the body of the driver who entered the water has been recovered by the St. Tammany Parish dive team and is in the process of being identified. He says state police are speaking to witnesses to try to determine what exactly happened.

CUT 7 (08)  “contact us”

Manale says the driver of the second 18-wheeler received moderate injuries. He says they believe the driver of the pickup truck was driving recklessly before the crash.

CUT 8 (11)  “guardrail here”

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The state House Republican caucus endorses Senator David Vitter in Louisiana’s gubernatorial runoff, but will Senate Republicans do the same? At issue is Vitter’s latest campaign commercial where he describes the legislature as “broken and dysfunctional” and talks of taking away politicians’ perks. House caucus Chairman, Alexandria Representative Lance Harris, says he has thick skin and the ad doesn’t offend him..

CUT 9 (09)  “a great job”

However, Senate Republican caucus Chair, Metairie Senator Danny Martiny takes offense to Vitter’s ad because he feels it tells people the legislature is no good and they’re the problem. He says says the commercial doesn’t sit well with many GOP state senators…

cut 10 (10)  “the legislature”

Harris chalks up Vitter’s campaign rhetoric as politics as usual and something that happens during political races. He says House Republicans enthusiastically support Vitter in the runoff…

Cut 11 (08)  “in the future”

It doesn’t appear the Senate Republicans will throw their support to Vitter anytime soon. Martiny says if a caucus member wanted to look into endorsing Vitter, he would call a meeting to discuss it. Martiny says he has concerns because it appears that Vitter is running a campaign against the state legislature…

cut 12 (08)  “he’s not”

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New Orleans has been selected to host the College Football Playoff Championship game in 2020. Executive Director of the CFP, Bill Hancock, made the announcement and called New Orleans an iconic city in the world of college football…

cut 13 (06)  “long time”

New Orleans beat out of several other cities to host college football national championship game in January 2020. New Orleans bid to host the game in either 2019 and 2020 after falling shot in previous bids to host the game in 2016 and 2017. Hancock says there are a lot of reasons why they wanted to crown a champion in the Big Easy…

cut 14 (07) “downtown area” 

Thousands of Tiger fans will travel to Tuscaloosa this weekend for one of the most anticipated games of the season. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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 The Advocate has published a poll from Market Research Insight showing Edwards with a double-digit lead over Vitter. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A new Public Policy Poll on the Republican Presidential nomination in Iowa shows Governor Bobby Jindal ahead of Jeb Bush and Carly Fiorina. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Thousands of Tiger fans will make the trip to Tuscaloosa for the November 7^th LSU-Alabama matchup. Jason Ramezon, Vice President of LSU Alumni Relations, says this is one of the most highly anticipated games of the season. He says the LSU Traveling Tigers will leave Friday morning and stay in Birmingham….

cut 4  (07)  “home victorious”

LSU is ranked number 4 and Alabama is number 7. Ramezon says excitement has been building especially because both teams are coming off of a bye week and boasting a winning streak. He says LSU-Alabama has really become a big rivalry and Tiger fans wait all year for the game.

Cut 5  (08)  “beat Alabama”

The game starts at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on CBS. Ramezon says ever since Nick Saban became the coach of the Crimson Tide, this trip has become more popular

Cut 6 (09)  “definitely is now ”

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Another poll shows Democrat John Bel Edwards with a double-digit lead over Republican David Vitter in the gubernatorial runoff. The Baton Rouge Advocate published a poll from Market Research Insight, which found Edwards leading Vitter 54 to 38-percent if African-American voter turnout is at 25-percent. U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Vitter is in trouble, but the race isn’t over yet.

CUT 7 (10)  “his sleeve ”

Cross says the senator’s strategy is painting Edwards as an Obama clone but it’s going to be difficult because of Edwards’ pro-life and pro-gun stances. He says African Americans make up about 30-percent of registered voters in the state and it’s likely 25-percent will go out to vote for Edwards.

Cut 8  (08)  “the polls”

The MRI survey was conducted by pollster Vern Kennedy and it was paid for by an independent group of private business leaders, including Advocate owner, John Georges. Cross says it amazes him how much of a turnaround there has been with Edwards now being the dominant frontrunner over Vitter.

Cut 9 (11) “to win” 

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A new Public Policy Poll on the Republican Presidential nomination shows Governor Bobby Jindal is now ahead of Florida Governor Jeb Bush and former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina in Iowa. The PPP survey puts Jindal’s numbers in Iowa at 6% which ties him for fifth with Mike Huckabee and puts him a point ahead of Bush and Fiorina. Pollster Tom Jensen…:

Cut 10 (10) “of him” 

Jenson says the only candidates with higher favorability ratings than Jindal in Iowa are Ben Carson and Ted Cruz. National polls still have Jindal lagging at least 10 other GOP candidates. Jensen says Jindal’s strategy of focusing solely on Iowa is a good one, because he doesn’t have the resources to run a national campaign…:

cut 11 (10) “down the line”

The Iowa Caucuses will be held in February 2016. The Des Moines Register ran an editorial criticizing Jindal over the budget problems in his home state and also for his opposition to gay marriage and attempt to defund Planned Parenthood. But Jensen says Republicans in Iowa hate the Des Moines Register…:

Cut 12 (06) “of the media”

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After nearly missing out on making the gubernatorial runoff, what’s next for Republican Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle? Jeremy Alford of LApolitcs.com says he could see Angelle running again next year for a federal office.

Cut 13 (07)  “sooner than later”

Angelle’s best friend, state senator Fred Mills,  says the commissioner might run for the US Senate next year or if 3rd district Congressman Charles Boustany runs for the Senate, Angelle could seek Boustany’s Congressional seat….

Cut 14 (06) “run again”

Mills says expect to hear from Angelle sooner than later when it comes to his political future. Angelle finished just behind Vitter in the primary. Alford says that gives Angelle some momentum to continue his career in Louisiana politics.

Cut 15  (11)  “Angelle came”

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Which quarterback plays better could determine Saturday’s SEC showdown between 4th ranked LSU and 7th ranked Alabama. The Crimson Tide have started Jacob Coker for much of the season and he’s thrown for 16-hundred yards and eleven touchdowns. LSU’s Brandon Harris has thrown for nearly 11 hundred yards, nine touchdowns and zero interceptions. Bama Coach Nick Saban likes what he’s seen from Harris

Cut 16  (13)  “extremely well”

A win for LSU and they’ll be in position to win the SEC West. The same can be said for Alabama, but they’ll also need someone to beat Ole Miss. Saban says with so much at stake, you can’t be conservative…

Cut 17 (16) “this game”

LSU has arguably the best player in college football in Leonard Fournette, but Alabama also features an outstanding running back. Derrick Henry has rushed for over 1,000 yards and has 14 touchdowns. Saban says Henry has had a fantastic year…

Cut 18 (20) “has played”

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Louisiana Tech has a 6-3 record, 4-and-1 in Conference USA, heading into Saturday’s homecoming matchup with North Texas. Quarterback Jeff Driskel is a big reason for the Bulldogs success. He’s thrown for 27-hundred yards, 19 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. The former Florida quarterback says he’s enjoyed his time in Ruston…

Cut 19 (18) “to go”

Tech faces a team in North Texas that has just one win on the season. But Driskel says they are not changing their approach…

Cut 20 (15) “every other week”

A Nextstar TV stations/JMC Analytics survey on Louisiana’s gubernatorial runoff finds Democrat John Bel Edwards with a 20 point lead over Republican David Vitter. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (27)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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LSU’s longtime play-by-play announcer will be missing the first game of his career this weekend. Jeff Palermo reports..:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The latest independent poll on Louisiana’s gubernatorial runoff shows Democrat John Bel Edwards with a 20 point lead over Republican David Vitter. The Nextstar TV stations/JMC Analytics survey shows Edwards receiving 52-percent of the vote compared to Vitter’s 32-percent. Pollster John Couvillon says these results are not that surprising…

CUT 3 (08)  “election night” 

He says 16-percent of those surveyed were undecided and they split pretty evenly between the two candidates. Couvillon says the survey shows Edwards receiving 25-percent of the Republican vote which is not good news for Vitter…

CUT 4 (07)  “the runoff”

The survey polled 600 likely voters across the state. Couvillon says with less than three weeks to go, Vitter has a lot of work ahead of him…

CUT 5 (07)  “”and/or undecided”

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LSU says The Voice of the Tigers, Jim Hawthorne, will not be able to call the game this weekend against Alabama as he recovers from a medical procedure. They say it’s the first game Hawthorne will miss since he got the play-by-play job in 1984. Filling his shoes Saturday in Tuscaloosa will be longtime LSU women’s basketball announcer Patrick Wright…:

CUT 6 (11) “this weekend”

Hawthorne is 71 and he already announced earlier this year that he’d be retiring from broadcasting after the end of the men’s basketball season, spring 2016. LSU says they hope he’ll be back in a few weeks. Wright says last week the radio team asked him to call the Alabama game and he’s been practicing his college football play-by-play all weekend…:

CUT 7 (10)  “on Saturday”

Hawthorne’s replacement next season will be Chris Blair, but this weekend he’s still working his other job as Georgia Southern’s announcer. Wright says they may briefly lament Hawthorne’s absence during the broadcast, but Jim himself would want to keep the story about the game between No. 4 LSU and No. 7 Alabama…:

CUT 8 (11)  “would want it”

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There’s a happy ending after the Slidell Police Department helped an 86-year-old woman locate her wedding ring after she lost it while handing out candy on Halloween. Sgt. Daniel Seuzeneau says the ring was found in the woman’s front yard near where she was giving out candy to trick or treaters.

CUT 9 (07)  “the yard”

Seuzeneau says the ring slipped off the woman’s hand after she was wearing it on her pinky because it didn’t fit on her ring finger and fell in the grass. He says everyone is relieved it was found at home.

cut 10 (08)  “everyone’s thrilled”

Seuzeneau says she’s the happiest woman he’s come across in years. He says her husband passed away years ago and the ring has a lot of sentimental value.

Cut 11 (07)  “stop smiling”

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Tulane has been awarded a $6.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study the long term impact of Hurricane Katrina. Mark VanLandingham, Thomas C. Keller professor of global community health and behavioral sciences at Tulane, says they are excited about receiving this funding…

cut 12 (08)  “after Katrina”

Researchers will investigate the long term health, demographic, and socioeconomic impacts of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and the entire region. VanLandingham says the opportunity to look at the consequences of a disaster like Katrina beyond one or two years makes this study unique…

cut 13 (07)  “long term perspective”

The five-year grant will establish the Tulane Center for Studies on Displaced Populations. VanLandingham says a goal of the study is to create a picture of where the city and different groups of survivors stand more than a decade removed from Hurricane Katrina…

cut 14 (09) “whole is doing” 

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