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”

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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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November has just begun and many retailers are already beating the Christmas shopping season drum. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

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 A Baton Rouge doctor has created a new shoe to help alleviate heel pain. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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 The 2015 Louisiana Tax Amnesty Period will run from November 16^th to December 15^th. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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November has just begun and many retailers are already beating the Christmas shopping season drum. Many stores are already setting up Christmas displays and advertising Christmas specials. Dan Rice, LSU Marketing Professor, says it appears stores are starting the Christmas season earlier and earlier each year…

cut 4  (08)  “little bit earlier”

He says it seems like retailers are trying to train consumers to make Christmas purchases earlier. Rice says many companies are not just going to have “Black Friday” deals for the holidays. He says some are giving holiday deals that are good for a longer period of time, up to several weeks in some instances…

Cut 5  (08)  “in the season”

Monday, online retailer Amazon launched a “Black Friday Deals Store” which will post sales daily til November 27th. Rice expects this Christmas shopping season to be a good one with people shopping both in-store and online…

Cut 6 (10)  “long time coming”

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 A Baton Rouge doctor has designed a new shoe to help alleviate heel pain. Dr. Meredith Warner with LSU Louisiana Business and Technology Center, created The Healing Sole, which is a patent-pending flip flop which helps people recovered quicker from heel pain for various reasons, including plantar fasciitis.

CUT 7 (11)  “the treatment ”

 Warner says right now she is running a clinical trial to prove that the flip flop is actually working. She says the shoe incorporates basic treatment principles that doctors use regularly and considers it as a recovery device.

Cut 8  (10)  “kind of help”

 Warner says The Healing Sole places five treatment methods into the shoe. She says the most important design of the flip flop is the lifted big toe area, which puts a nice stretch on the plantar fascia.

Cut 9 (10) “the heel” 

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Another statewide race headed into the November 21st runoff is between incumbent Republican Buddy Caldwell and fellow GOP challenger Jeff Landry for the office of Attorney General. Landry announced Monday he’s picked up the endorsement of the Democratic third place finisher in the primary, Geri Broussard Baloney. Landry says the AG’s office needs major reform…:

Cut 10 (09) “tax payer” 

Landry, a former Congressman and Tea Party favorite, says Caldwell is in for a difficult fight because the AG’s office is currently filled with cronyism, nepotism and corruption…:

cut 11 (06) “his business”

Caldwell has held the position since 2008. He says Landry has never tried a case and is unqualified to be be the state’s lawyer..:

Cut 12 (09) “currently”

In the primary, Caldwell received 35 percent of the vote to Landry’s 33 percent. He says the AG’s office deals with a caseload that Landry has too little experience to deal with…:

Cut 13 (08)  “or criminal”

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The 2015 Louisiana Tax Amnesty program will run November 16^th to December 15^th.  Jared Coniglio (ca-nig-lee-oh), deputy secretary with the Department of Revenue, says this gives people the opportunity to bring their delinquent taxes up to date with lessened interest charges and penalties for 30 days.

Cut 14 (09) “were due”

 Coniglio says this amnesty period is possible because of the legislation passed in 2013, which allowed three years of amnesty but wouldn’t be offered again for a decade. He says in the past two amnesty periods, they collected more than their goals of $150 million in 2013 and $104 million in 2014.

Cut 15  (10)  “the legislature”

 Coniglio says the goal keeps shrinking because every year there are less tax payers that owe delinquent taxes, so many people take advantage of this opportunity.

Cut 16  (07)  “be 2025”

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The biggest game of the season has arrived for the 4th ranked LSU Tigers as they will face 7th ranked Alabama on Saturday night in Tuscaloosa. LSU is undefeated while the Crimson Tide have one loss. Coach Les Miles says it’s been their goal to be in this position and have a chance to take control of the SEC West race…

Cut 17 (19) “this game”

A big game on Saturday for LSU running back Leonard Fournette and he can likely look forward to winning the Heisman Trophy in December. But Miles doesn’t want his talented sophomore to think about postseason awards, just victory….

Cut 18 (20) “highest level”

In big games like this, mistakes can cost you. LSU leads in the SEC penalty yards per game and Miles hopes his team doesn’t see too many flags this Saturday

Cut 19 (18) “can be”

It appears we’ll have at least one gubernatorial debate before the November 21st runoff election. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donleon is issuing some reminders to the public, now that the Affordable Care Act open enrollment period is underway. Don Molino reports…:

CUT 2 (32)  “I’m Don Molino”

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It appears we’ll have at least one gubernatorial debate before the November 21st runoff election. Republican David Vitter and Democrat John Bel Edwards will face off November 16th in a WVLA-TV debate televised statewide. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says Louisiana voters deserve to hear the two candidates exchange ideas…

CUT 3 (07)  “and contrast” 

The debate will begin at 6PM from The Dunham School in Baton Rouge. A recent poll shows Vitter’s unfavorable rating at 52-percent. Stockley believes this has a lot to do with Senator’s negative campaign strategy. He says Vitter will have to walk a tightrope during the debate…

CUT 4 (11)  “as negative”

He says Vitter will have to find a way to expose the weaknesses of Edwards without coming across as negative. Edwards placed first in the primary with 40-percent of the vote, followed by Vitter’s 23-percent. Stockley says Edwards’ campaign strategy is working and he shouldn’t change anything…

CUT 5 (11)  “just fine”

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State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donleon is issuing some reminders to the public, now that the Affordable Care Act open enrollment period is underway. He says during enrollment, which runs November 1st through January 31st, 2016, families that do not receive healthcare through their employers can sign up through the online Health Insurance Marketplace…:

CUT 6 (09) “the 15th”

The state department of insurance has launched a webpage with key information about open enrollment at ldi.la.gov/5things. Donelon says, historically, about 20% of people in Louisiana are uninsured. He says, under the Affordable Care Act, the tax penalty fee for not having coverage is substantially bigger in 2016 than it was in 2015…:

CUT 7 (11)  “not covered”

Donelon says if you do not elect coverage by January 31st, you will be unable to get healthcare insurance unless you qualify for a special enrollment period due to a life change such as marriage or pregnancy. He says going to out-of-network providers can be expensive…:

CUT 8 (10)  “gonna choose”

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Rapides Parish continues to clean up after severe weather ripped through the area over the weekend. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Tommy Carnline says a tornado touched down Saturday morning in the Elmer community that caused some damage…

CUT 9 (07)  “were damaged”

He says, fortunately, no injuries were reported. Tornados also touched down near the Tangipahoa Parish town of Tickfaw and the Livingston Parish town of Albany Saturday. Carnline says clean up and repair efforts are underway…

cut 10 (10)  “the roadway”

Cleco estimates all power in the area will be restored this afternoon. Carnline encourages motorists to exercise caution on the roadways and pay special attention to roads where there is standing water…

Cut 11 (05)  “just safer”

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November is National Lung Cancer Awareness month and health officials are encouraging individuals, especially older current or former smokers, to talk to their doctor about lung screening. Dr.Brad Vincent is a pulmonologist with Mary Bird Perkins – OLOL Cancer Center in Baton Rouge. He says lung cancer kills more Americans than colon, breast and prostate combined…:

cut 12 (08)  “lethal cancer”

Vincent says screenings can detect lung cancer even before the first symptoms appear and are set to be covered by Medicare and health insurance companies beginning next year. He says the horrible thing about lung cancer is that patients typically don’t have any symptoms early on…:

cut 13 (08)  “to treat”

Vincent says the National Cancer Institute says lung cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer in the US, but when caught early, treatment can help patients to live longer, healthier lives. He says the earliest symptom is a simple cough that many patients dismiss, so it’s important to know your risk factors…:

cut 14 (11) “or less” 

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The Louisiana Workforce Commission is rolling out enhancements to its online system for Louisiana job seekers and employers. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Tulane School of Medicine has received a 1.6 million dollar grant from the National Institutes of Health to improve the flu vaccine. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Louisiana’s START College Savings Program has been ranked the 5^th best plan in the country by Christian Science Monitor. Don Molino has more….

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

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The Louisiana Workforce Commission is rolling out enhancements to its online system for Louisiana job seekers and employers. LWC Executive Director Curt Eysink says the improvements are being made to the HiRE employment system. Eysink says these upgrades will better connect unemployment insurance to workforce development and job matching…

cut 4  (07)  “for claimants”

He says Louisiana will be the first state in the country to launch a system where all the unemployment business conducted will ride on the same system as their job matching and skills development. Eysink says, with these enhancements, the re-employment process will begin immediately…

Cut 5  (10)  “your claim”

He says these enhancements will affect thousands of job seekers and employers by streamlining the employment process. Eysink says this roll-out is another major step in technological upgrades LWC has designed to make finding a job easier and more efficient…

Cut 6 (10)  “for everybody”

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As flu season is rapidly approaching, the Tulane University School of Medicine is working on more effective vaccines after receiving a 1.6 million dollar grant from the National Institutes of Health. Tulane immunologist Dr. Elizabeth Norton says their goal is to make a better vaccine for people regardless of the strength of their immune system.

CUT 7 (11)  “the infection”

Norton says the grant will support research until 2020. She says there is an estimated three to four-thousand deaths each year from the flu and they plan to drastically drop that number with a better developed vaccine.

Cut 8  (10)  “one percent”

Norton says they also have another study going on right now to examine how well the flu shots are working in the New Orleans area. She says they’re looking to see what about a particular person makes the flu vaccination ineffective.

Cut 9 (08) “risk populations” 

______________________________________

The Christian Science Monitor has named Louisiana’s START College Savings Program the 5^th best plan in the country. State Treasurer John Kennedy says START is an underutilized program that allows money to grow over time without being taxed. He says over the past eight years tuition has gone up 70-percent and this is a great way to help students pay for college.

Cut 10 (11) “not taxed” 

Kennedy says all a parent needs to do to open a START account is ten dollars and then the money is professionally managed for future educational expenses. He says he is proud Louisiana has such a great program and START has grown so much since he first became state treasurer.

cut 11 (10) “the program”

Kennedy says anyone using the START program can take their money out whenever they choose. He says for more information on Louisiana’s START saving program, visit latreasury.com…

Cut 12 (06) “the program”

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Daylight Saving Time ended Sunday and Louisiana State Police reminds motorists to stay safe on the road as you adjust to the new time schedule. Trooper Dustin Dwight says it will take a little time for our bodies to adjust to the new time change…

Cut 13 (05)  “to drive”

As the sun begins to set earlier in the day, it may throw some drivers off who are not used to driving in darker conditions. Dwight says this would be a good time to take a look at your car’s equipment…

Cut 14 (10) “at nighttime”

He reminds drivers to to stay engaged and aware of your surroundings as nighttime driving hours increase. Dwight says following basic driving safety rules will keep roads much more safe, even at night…

Cut 15  (06)  “driving environment”

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Kicker Kai Forbath’s 50-yard field goal as time expired lifted the Saints to a 52-49 win over the New York Giants yesterday in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Quarterback Drew Brees threw for a career high 511 yards and tied an NFL record for most touchdown passes in a game with 7. Head coach Sean Payton appreciated his team’s effort…

Cut 16  (10)  “the win”

Giants quarterback Eli Manning threw for a career best six touchdowns. Their combined 13 touchdown passes in a single game set a new NFL record. Payton was impressed with Forbath’s game-winning kick that improved the Black & Gold to 4-4 on the season…

Cut 17 (10) “to the kicker”

Former LSU standout Odell Beckham, Jr. caught three touchdown passes for the Giants. The Saints have now won three in a row. Payton says it’s nice to be on a winning streak, but the focus now must be on the Tennessee Titans…

Cut 18 (12) “lot of fight”

The two candidates in the governor’s race held dueling press conference in Baton Rouge with their supporters. Jeff Palermo was there..

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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WVUE-TV reports the US Department of Education is investigating how LSU handles cases of rape and sexual assault. Emelie Gunn reports…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The two candidates for governor held press conferences in Baton Rouge today. Democrat John Bel Edwards was joined by sheriffs from the around the state as he received the Louisiana Sheriffs Association endorsement. Edwards says a recent Vitter ad that claimed he plans to release up to 55-hundred inmates if elected, is untrue

CUT 3 (12)  “incarceration rates” 

At today’s press conference at the Louisiana Sheriff’s Assocation, several lawmen spoke about why Louisiana residents should elect Edwards on November 21st. Assumption Sheriff Mike Waguespack says Edwards will bring integrity to the governor’s office

CUT 4 (12)  “of Louisiana”

The National Federation of Independent Business announced its endorsement for Vitter and then the Senator told a lunchtime crowd there’s a clear choice to make on November 21st…..

CUT 5 (12)  “guide us”

Several republican officials like Congressmen John Fleming and Ralph Abraham were in attendance to show their support for Vitter. State Treasurer John Kennedy gave the most raucous speech of the day…

CUT 6 (10) “(cheers)”

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Four French Quarter strip clubs who had their liquor licenses suspended by the state Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control will be able to sell alcohol and cigarettes this weekend. That’s because a New Orleans judge has issued a temporary restraining order against ATC Commissioner Troy Hebert’s suspension order. Hebert is not pleased with Judge Regina Woods ruling…

CUT 7 (08)  “over there, now”

Judge Woods issued a temporary restraining order allowing the clubs to continue selling alcohol and tobacco. Hebert says this sends a horrible message…

CUT 8 (11)  “were served”

An undercover ATC operation found prostitution, drug sales, and other improper activities happening at these clubs. A hearing on the temporary restraining order is scheduled for next week. Hebert says if authorities really want to clean up the crime problem in the French Quarter, everyone needs to work as a team…

CUT 9 (09)  “are not”

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A flash flood watch is in effect for southwest and central Louisiana for Halloween. Donald Jones, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says a lot of rain is moving in from the west bringing at least two to four inches of rain along with the chance of tornadoes.

cut 10 (08)  “as well”

Jones says this weather system will hit almost every corner of Louisiana but some areas more than others. He says with the already saturated grounds, the rainfall is likely to cause flooding on the streets and other low lying areas.

Cut 11 (10)  “overnight hours”

Jones says if you made plans for Halloween, it would be smart to move those indoors. He says this weather event will be very similar to what we experienced last weekend.

cut 12 (06)  “as well”

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WVUE-TV reports the US Department of Education is investigating how LSU handles cases of rape and sexual assault. New Orleans state Senator JP Morrell has been an advocate when it comes to legislation requiring college campuses to do a better job in reporting sexual assaults. Morrell says many colleges find the issue of sexual assault on campus overwhelming…

cut 13 (09)  “not an issue”

The report reveals 16 rapes were reported to an LSU campus advocacy group last year, but very little was done to protect the victims or punish the perpetrators. Federal investigators are checking into whether LSU responded promptly to a reported sexual assault incident earlier this year. Morrell says universities are required by law to have a Title IX coordinator to handle situations like this…

cut 14 (08) “or a janitor” 

In a statement, LSU says it cannot discuss matters pertaining to a pending investigation or any specific alleged incidents. Morrell says the state legislature will continue to work to get a process in place for colleges statewide to handle sexual assault claims. He says this investigation sends a strong message…

cut 15 (10)  “will be sanctioned”

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Weather this Halloween is looking a little spooky with heavy rain fall and the risk of serious flooding. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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State Police is reminding parents and kids to play it safe when Trick-or-Treating this Halloween. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The New Orleans NAACP has requested that the Vitter campaign remove a TV commercial that uses the word “thugs”. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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 Forecasters say the weather on Halloween could be frightening, as severe storms and heavy rainfall is expected. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a front will stall along the Louisiana coast and it will help to produce another significant rain event, similar to what we saw last weekend…

cut 4  (09)  “in flood”

 Keim says this rain will likely take care of the lingering drought problems we’ve had, even in north Louisiana, which saw very little precipitation from July 4th until last weekend. He says there’s also the potential of tornadoes with this latest weather system….

Cut 5  (08)  “be prepared”

 Keim says it’s a good thing many parishes have moved Trick or Treating to Friday, because heavy downpours are expected Saturday….

Cut 6 (09)  “in flood”

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State Police is reminding kids and parents about some of the basic safety rules when it comes to walking the streets for trick or treat. Trooper Brian Lee says as you hit up neighborhoods, please remain vigilant for possible hazardous or dangerous situations. He says parents should make sure kids have flashlights and something reflective on their costume…:

CUT 7 (10)  “panned out”

Lee says you should always walk on sidewalks if they are available, but if not pedestrians should stay on the left side of the road facing traffic. He encourages people to check the State Police sex offender registry to see if there are any culprits in the area you’ll be trick or treating…:

Cut 8  (10)  “law enforcement”

Lee says it’s also important to make sure your kids know their address and phone number, or have it on their costume, so in case they wander off running from house to house, they know to find you. He says parents are urged to inspect all candy for safety after returning home…:

Cut 9 (07) “candy is safe” 

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The New Orleans NAACP chapter has asked David Vitter’s gubernatorial campaign to take down a TV ad that uses the word “thugs” inside the commerical. Morris Reed, chapter president of the NAACP of New Orleans, believes “thugs” is used in the commercial to drive a wedge between the black and white communities

Cut 10 (09) “probationary period” 

The commercial makes the claim that Edwards would release thousands of “dangerous thugs” from prison if elected.  Reed says the ad seeks to strike fear in the hearts of the white community…

cut 11 (08) “not necessary”

The Vitter campaign has said they will not remove the ad from television. A statement from the campaign goes on to say that Edwards’ proposal to release thousands of criminals is dangerous and irresponsible. Reed says not only is the commercial offensive, but it might not be factual

Cut 12 (12) “the street”

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Three major national political forecasters now say a win for Republicans in this gubernatorial election is not as certain as it once was. Some classify the race as a “toss-up” or a downgrade from “Likely Republican” to “Leans Republican.” Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat attributes this to the gubernatorial primary…:

Cut 13 (06)  “damage to each other”

Pinsonat says outside forecasters had previously considered a GOP win a lock due to the fact that Louisiana is still a red state and it’s still very difficult for a Democrat to win here. He says Republican David Vitter ended up with high negatives because of the type of attacks he was getting from his opponents in the primary…:

Cut 14 (10) “normally are”

Pinsonat says the candidates shouldn’t put too much stock into outsider forecasts because they typically base their opinions on news reports and talking to so-called political insiders. He says Democrat John Bel Edwards tends to be painted in a more positive light in the media which is what political forecasters see…:

Cut 15  (10)  “someone damaged”

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Louisiana Tech will face Rice tonight in a big Conference USA matchup. The Bulldogs are 3-and-1 in league play, while Rice is 2-and-1. A loss for either team, likely knocks them out of contention to play in the CUSA title game. The game will be on Fox Sports One at seven o’ clock and Tech coach Skip Holtz says the national TV audience should be entertained by this game…

Cut 16  (16)  “to play”

Rice leads Conference USA in rushing as they are averaging close to 200 yards a game on the ground. But Holtz says the Owls also have a good passing game

Cut 17 (20) “last year”

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The Saints will go after their third straight victory on Sunday when they host the New York Giants. A win will move New Orleans to 4-and-4 on the season. Wide receiver Brandin Cooks says after an 0-3 start to the season, the team feels better about itself…

Cut 18 (14) “good way”

The Giants are 4-3 on the year and there defensive coordinator is Steve Spagnuolo, who had the same job in New Orleans in 2012. Right tackle Zach Streif says they know Spagnuolo will have a specific plan to stop the Saints offense…

Cut 19 (22) “personnel group”

A new poll on Louisiana’s governor’s race shows Democrat John Bel Edwards leading Republican David Vitter by a 52 to 40-percent margin. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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The percentage of high schools in the state receiving “A” grades under the accountability system has gone up 13-percent since last year. Emelie Gunn has more….

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Shreveport Police arrest two people they believe are responsible for a deadly shooting that killed one and injured two others. Cpl. Breck Scott says 29-year-old Elbert Fredieu (FREE-doo) and 24-year-old Scarlett Groce (gross), were taken into custody Wednesday. Scott says authorities found Fredieu working at Barksdale Air Force Base…

CUT 3 (09)  “degree murder” 2X

Fredieu is charged with one count of second degree murder and two counts of attempted second degree murder. 36-year-old Verdina Crichlow was killed in the shooting. Scott says Groce was located at her home in Bossier City…

CUT 4 (09)  “degree murder”

Groce is charged with one count of principal to second degree murder. Scott says detectives are still trying to determine a motive. He says the surviving victims, 43-year-old Tammy Harris and 15-year-old Tranautica Webber, remain hospitalized…

CUT 5 (07)  “critical condition”

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With the top 10 LSU-Alabama game coming up in Tuscaloosa, fans are scrambling to get their tickets. Cameron Papp with Stub Hub says this is definitely a high demand game. He says the cheapest ticket available to Bryant Denny Stadium on November 7th is 195-dollars, which will get you an upper level seat behind one of the end zones.

CUT 6 (07) “end zone tickets”

The No. 4 Tigers and the No. 7 Crimson Tide are both off this weekend. Papp says the 2013 LSU- Alabama matchup had the highest ticket sales followed by the 2011 game of the century.

CUT 7 (08)  “find out”

Kickoff for the SEC showdown is 7pm. Papp says 26-percent of ticket sales are coming from Alabama and 11-percent are coming from Louisiana. He says ticket prices skyrocket the closer a fan wants to get to the field.

CUT 8 (10)  “sideline tickets”

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A new poll on Louisiana’s governor’s race shows Democrat John Bel Edwards leading Republican David Vitter by a 52 to 40-percent margin. The survey was conducted by Anzalone Liszt Grove Research on behalf of the anti-Vitter Gumbo PAC. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos believes Edwards lead could actually be larger than 12 points…

CUT 9 (11)  “bigger than that”

He says stories adverse to the Vitter campaign have come out since this poll was taken and Edwards lead could be 15 points or higher. The survey also shows Vitter’s unfavorability rating has climbed to 52-percent. With the election a little more than three weeks away, Dubos says there is little time for Vitter to turn things around…

cut 10 (09)  “for him”

The poll shows that more than half of the voters that supported Scott Angelle and Jay Dardenne are now supporting Edwards. Dubos thinks Edwards’ recent endorsement by the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association could be a sign…

Cut 11 (07)  “weeks to come”

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The State Department of Education says the percentage of high schools in Louisiana who have received an “A” grade under the state’s accountability system have increased from 10-percent last year to 23-percent this year. Superintendent of Education John White says higher graduation rates and ACT scores led to 73-percent of high schools receiving at least a “C” grade.

cut 12 (07)  “their students”

White says more schools also demonstrated progress with low-achieving students due to increased reading and math scores with previously low achieving students. He says schools have really stepped up to give kids the support needed to succeed in school.

cut 13 (08)  “those kids”

White says right now basic has been our expectation and our students deserve better than basic. He says the state plans to raise the bar on standards over the next ten years.

cut 14 (07) “higher expectations” 

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