The number of Louisiana Public Schools earning a state performance grade of an A has gone up from 187 to 241 this year, according to the Department of Education. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

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

Early voting began this morning and many Louisianians were in line at the 8:30am opening. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (33) “reporting”

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

Officials say a third man involved in the 2010 murder of Rayville Police Sergeant Thomas Alexander has pleaded guilty to his involvement in the case. Alexander was killed while responding to a burglary at a home in Richland Parish. District Attorney Mack Lancaster says they are happy to get a third plea in this case…

CUT 3 (11) “murder occurred”

Anthony Oatis entered a guilty plea to a manslaughter charge and was sentenced to 21 years in prison. Previously, Richard Long pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and Robert Walker pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Both are serving life sentences. Lancaster says it’s difficult to get pleas in these kind of cases…

CUT 4 (08)  “all three cases”

He commends the work of law enforcement to collect evidence that lead to guilty pleas of all three men. Lancaster says this crime still sticks with the people of Rayville because of Deputy Alexander’s willingness to go out of his way to help others. He says this burglary happened outside of Rayville and Alexander was a town deputy…

CUT 5 (08)  “unnecessary murder”

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

The number of Louisiana Public Schools earning a state performance grade of an A has gone up from 187 to 241 this year, according to the Department of Education. Education officials released the reports earlier today. Superintendent John White says numbers are up because schools are responding to what they have been asked to achieve…

CUT 6 (12)  “on state tests”

School performance scores are primarily based on student test scores. This year’s school report card also shows 10 Louisiana school districts earning an A and no school districts in the state receiving an F grade. White says high schools are performing better across the state…

CUT 7 (04) “achieving basic”

1335 schools were included in this report. White says this year’s scores come as the department raises the bar for public schools across the state…

CUT 8 (11) “school report cards”

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

Early voting is underway as of today and people started lining up at the 8:30am opening to cast their ballot for the November 4th election. The Secretary of State’s Office is calling this the biggest election Louisiana has had in decades and these voters we spoke with today told us why they prefer to early vote…:

CUT 9 (13)  “out of the way”

Secretary of State Tom Schedler says statewide, there are over 2400 positions and issues on the ballot and over 4400 candidates. These voters we spoke with say the big one for them is the US-Senate race…:

CUT 10 (14)  “get done”

To find out where you can early vote log on to geauxvote.com or download the Geaux Vote app. Schedler is encouragining voters to bring a sample ballot with you to the polls so the lines can move faster. This woman we spoke with told us she was ready with what her husband gave her…:

CUT 11 (13) “early“

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

A freshman ULM basketball player is under arrest for allegedly raping a female student he’d arranged to meet online. University spokeswoman Donna Bernard says the alleged incident occurred Sunday night after they were told 18-year-old Roderick Taylor talked to the female student on a social media site…:

CUT 12 (10) “occurred”

Bernard says the alleged victim filed a report with the ULM Police Department the next morning…:

CUT  13 (09) “the charge”

Bernard says ULM Athletic Director Brian Wickstrom made an announcement about Bernard’s status on the team following the arrest…:

cut 14 (09) “against him”

The early voting period for the November 4th election kicks off today and runs through October 28th. Michelle Southern reports…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

Louisiana State Police and several other agencies will host a “Heroin Summit” today to educate the public about heroin use and address the recent rise in heroin deaths. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (33) “reporting”

______________________________________

Former President Bill Clinton makes a campaign stop in Louisiana to help Senator Mary Landrieu with her re-election efforts. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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The early voting period for the November 4th election kicks off today. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says early voting will take place through October 28th from 8:30AM to 6PM, excluding Sunday. Schedler says early voter participation is on the rise…

Cut 4  (08)  “of early voting”

This year’s election is highlighted by a hotly contested US Senate race and several contested Congressional races. Schedler wants to remind voters that there are 14 Constitutional Amendments on this year’s ballot. He says voters should expect a lengthy ballot…

Cut 5  (06)  “available, statewide”

Schedler says, statewide, this is the biggest election in the state in decades. He says for sample ballots and early voting locations, you can go online at geauxvote-dot-com. Schedler says he expects a voter turnout between 45 and 50-percent for this US Senate election…

Cut 6 (12)  “high participation”

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Louisiana State Police and several other agencies will host a “Heroin Summit” today to educate the public about heroin use and address the recent rise in heroin deaths. Trooper Jared Sandifer says Col Mike Edmonson is going to be the keynote speaker and joined by several other people from around the state who know a lot about heroin…:

CUT 7 (11)  “the area”

The event is being held between 9am-5pm at the BREC Independence Park Theatre and the public is urged to participate. Sandifer says in Louisiana last year there were at least 310 heroin-related arrests made by LSP and law enforcement agencies across the state…:

Cut 8 (11)   “in 2012”

Sandifer says the CDC named the Greater Baton Rouge area as the 19th worse in the nation per capita for heroin over dose deaths in 2013. He says it’s a huge problem it’s important to sit down and address it:

Cut 9 (07)  “could be passed” 

______________________________________

A grand jury indicted two St. John the Baptist Parish utilities workers in connection with an investigation into a deadly amoeba which was found in the parish’s drinking water in August. Kurt Wall with the state Attorney General’s office says there was a question about whether or not samples being collected were accurate…:

Cut 10 (13)  “randomly testing”

Wall says the workers were reporting the chlorine levels in the water supply were up to par but DHH did random testing and discovered, instead, the amoeba. He says that’s when State Police stepped in and decided to check GPS coordinates on the vehicles these parish employees were using at the time they said samples were taken…:

cut 11 (13)  “correctly”

Kevin Branch of LaPlace and Danielle Roussel of Pauline were each charged with one count of malfeasance in office and one count of filing and/or maintaining false public records. Each felony count carries up to 5 years in prison. Wall says the St. John Parish Government is fully cooperating and are taking corrective steps to ensure that this doesn’t happen again…:

cut 12 (10)  “from here forward”

______________________________________

Former President Bill Clinton tells a crowd of Mary Landrieu supporters he doesn’t see how the senior senator is not a clear favorite in Louisiana’s US Senate race over her republican challengers. Clinton says Landrieu has a history of getting things done

Cut 13 (15)  “(loud cheers)”

Clinton was in Baton Rouge Monday and spoke at a Landrieu rally. Her main opponent, Bill Cassidy, constantly ties Landrieu and her voting record to policies supported by President Obama. But Clinton says Louisiana voters should not look at the Senate race as a chance to vote against Obama

Cut 14 (07)  “crowd that’s right”

During a nearly 30-minute speech, Clinton spoke about Landrieu’s efforts to help college students afford their education, her support for a higher minimum wage and chairmanship of the Senate Energy Committee

Cut 15  (12)  ” I do”

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The U-L Lafayette Ragin Cajuns look to keep their winning ways going on Tuesday nights when they host Arkansas State in a matchup of unbeaten teams in Sun Belt play. Coach Mark Hudspeth’s team has won its last three games played on Tuesday, dating back to last season

Cut 16  (21)   “Arkansas State team”

Tonight’s game can be seen nationlly on ESPN Two. Hudspeth wants to see a big crowd, because it’s a game that can show the university in a positive light…

Cut 17  (10)   “12th man”

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LSU gets another chance to beat a team ranked in the Top 5 this Saturday when they host the third ranked Ole Miss Rebels. The Tigers lost earlier this season to Auburn, who is ranked fifth and Mississippi State who is now number one. Coach Les Miles thinks his improving defense is up to the challenge…

Cut 18 (21) “that matchup”

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The Saints are 2-and-4 and some in the Who Dat nation are putting part of the blame on Quarterback Drew Brees. The veteran signal caller’s interception in the late stages on Sunday set up Detroit’s game-winning touchdown. But Coach Sean Payton is defending Brees’ play…

Cut 19 (16)   “are worries”

Even though the Saints have a losing record, they are in second place and not that far behind division leader Carolina, who is 3-and-3-and-1 on the season. But Payton says the players are not worried about the standings

Cut 20 (11)  “ourselves”

An investment group has agreed to buy Pineville based Cleco for a reported $3.4 billion. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (27) “reporting”

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

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals announced today that the state plans to stop billing sexual assault victims for exams and tests. Eric Gill reports…:

CUT 2 (28) “reporting”

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

An investment group has agreed to buy Pineville based Cleco for a reported $3.4 billion. Cleco Power has approximately 284,000 customers in Louisiana. Cleco Power President Darren O’Lages (O-lay-jes) says customers should not expect any change in utility rates or service as part of the sale…

CUT 3 (08) “service provider”

He says there are no lay-offs or restructuring of employee salaries planned. The sale is expected to close in the second half of 2015. O’Lages thinks this transaction came in at a price their shareholders will be happy with…

CUT 4 (11)  “supportive of it”

He says this investment group is experienced and understands what it means to own utility companies and what it takes to make them successful. O’Lages says the Cleco brand, and everything it stands for, will remain the same. He says, other than no longer being a publicly traded company, it will be business as usual under the new ownership…

CUT 5 (11)  “stay the same”

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

This week is National Teen Driver Safety Week and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is urging parents to set rules for teens before they hit the road. Lt. Col John LeBlanc says the fatal crash rate for Louisiana drivers age 18-20 alone was nearly twice as high as the average crash rate of all drivers in the state…:

CUT 6 (12)  “in the United States”

LeBlanc says according to a recent survey, only one in four parents had talked seriously with their teens about what it means to be a safe driver. He says if more parents got involved, the crash rate for teens would not be so high…:

CUT 7 (12) “or the back”

LeBlanc says parents should tell there teens the “5 to drive Rules” – No cell phones, no extra passengers, no speeding, not alcohol and EVERYONE must be buckled up. He says nobody has more of an impact on our children than their parents…:

CUT 8 (04) “some lives”

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

Cleanup crews are continuing to work a major crude oil spill in Caddo Parish that has killed dozens of fish and some reptiles. The oil leaked into Tete Bayou due to the rupture of a Mid-Valley pipeline . Greg Langley, with the Department of Environmental Quality says there are about 270 people on-site working the spill…

CUT 9 (09)  “as well”

Workers were able to stop the spill from reaching into Caddo Lake. Langley says once Sunoco Logistics, who operate the pipeline, noticed a drop in pressure, they went to work…

CUT 10 (08)  “to repair it”

It’s estimated that approximately 4,000 barrels of crude oil flowed into Tete Bayou before workers were able to shut the line down. Langley says crews have collected about 2,400 barrels so far, but there is still much to be done…

CUT 11 (11) “will be removed“

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

The Department of Health and Hospitals says they plan to stop billing sexual assault victims for exams and tests. DHH spokeswoman Olivia Watkins says they intend to work with the legislature to craft bills for the 2014 session that would prohibit hospitals from charging rape survivors for the care they receive….:

CUT 12 (09) “rendering aid”

Advocacy groups and lawmakers were critical of the fact that women who had been raped were getting big hospital bills after checking in to be treated for the assault. Watkins says, under the plan, hospitals would be able to seek reimbursement for such expenses from the Crime Victim’s Reparation fund which receives fines associated with criminal cases…:

CUT  13 (11) “on a state level”

Watkins says they also plan to remove the requirement that survivors of sexual assault file a police report to qualify for that reimbursement. She also says they want to do away with the provision that victims be sober in order to get money from the fund for hospital bills…:

cut 14 (07) “we address”

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

The Gonzales Police Department is investigating the case of a man from Mississippi who was found dead in his car in the Wal-Mart parking lot over the weekend. Spokesman Sgt. Stephen Nethken says 26-year-old Lucas Sanchez of Pascagoula was seen on surveillance video walking into the store in the early morning hours of Saturday…:

cut 15 (12) “his vehicle”

Nethken says foul play is not suspected in this case and they believe Sanchez died of a drug overdose…:

cut 16 (13) “aerosol can”

President Bill Clinton is scheduled to join Senator Mary Landrieu in Baton Rouge today to rally support for her campaign. Michelle Southern reports…

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

______________________________________

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says auto theft in Louisiana has dropped 48% since 2007 which beats the national average of 34% in the same time period. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

Customers at Chic-Fil-A locations in north Louisiana are now able to pay for their order with their mobile phone. Scott Carwile reports.

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

President Bill Clinton is scheduled to join Senator Mary Landrieu in Baton Rouge today to rally support for her campaign. Clinton’s visit comes the day before the early voting period for the November 4th election begins. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says it’s good for Landrieu that Clinton is stumping for her considering his popularity among the Democratic base…

Cut 4  (06)  “not that popular”

Landrieu is in a tight re-election battle with Republican challengers Congressman Bill Cassidy and retired Air Force Colonel Rob Maness. Both parties are sending “big guns” to the state for this Senate race. Republicans sent former presidential candidate Senator John McCain to campaign with Cassidy last week. Dubos says both parties know what is potentially at stake in this election…

Cut 5  (06)  “the national level”

This is Clinton’s second visit to Louisiana on Landrieu’s behalf during this election. Early voting begins tomorrow and runs through October 28th. Dubos says this is part of Landrieu’s last push leading up to election day on November 4th…

Cut 6 (12)  “to go vote”

______________________________________

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says auto theft in Louisiana has dropped 48% since 2007 which beats the national average of 34% in the same time period. Donelon credits the massive decline, in part, public outreach and initiatives by law enforcement…:

CUT 7 (10)  “rest of their lives”

Donelon says they’ve also been able to bust car thieves by using bait cars places in high risk areas that are equipped with monitoring equipment and cameras if they are stolen. He says also says technology has improved so that law enforcement now has the ability to read license plates as vehicles drive down the street…:

Cut 8 (11)   “is stolen”

Donelon says the license plate reader program has resulted in hundreds of apprehensions…:

Cut 9 (13)  “by a theif” 

______________________________________

Customers at Chic-Fil-A locations in north Louisiana don’t have to worry about bringing in cash or a credit card because now you’ll be able to pay with your phone. David Benson is the local operator for the restaurants in Monroe and West Monroe and he says it all starts with downloading the Chic-Fil-A app…:

Cut 10 (11)  “pay for your meal”

Benson says people are slowly but surely catching on and using this method of payment to get their yummy chicken strips and nuggets. He says paying with your phone is more secure than using a credit card. All you have to do is load up whatever amount of money you wish on the app…:

cut 11 (10)  “financial institution”

Benson says when you’ve loaded money into the app, you simply hit the pay button and scan the account code at the register or in the drive-thru line and the money is deducted from the account balance. He says next year the company plans to roll out “mobile ordering.” Benson says Chic-Fil-A wants to stay ahead of the curve…;

cut 12 (12)  “no credit card”

______________________________________

Senior linebacker Terrell Pinson should be named Conference USA defensive player of the week today based on his performance in Saturday’s 27-20 win over Texas-San Antonio. Pinson had two interceptions and had a fumble return for a touchdown. Head Coach Skip Holtz on Pinson’s big day

Cut 13 (19)  “came off turnovers”

The Bulldogs trailed 10-6 at halftime, but the game turned when Pinson had a two-yard fumble recovery for a touchdowns. Tech scored two more quick touchdowns and Holtz says that was the difference in the game

Cut 14 (14)  “it was huge”

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It appeared the Saints were on their way to a victory on Sunday in Detroit, but the Lions roared back with two touchdowns in the four minutes to beat New Orleans 24-23. New Orleans was in control for much of the game, but Detroit hit on a 73-yard touchdown pass with 3:38 left and couldn’t recover. Here’s what coach Sean Payton had to say after the game

Cut 15  (13)  “do it”

Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 342 yards and two touchdowns. But threw an interception with just over three minutes left that set up Detroit’s winning score. Brees believes the 2-and-4 Saints can rebound from this heartbreaking loss

Cut 16  (12)   “to win”

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After a two-week absence, The LSU Tigers are back in the Top 25 polls. The Bayou Bengals are ranked 24th in the AP poll, and 23rd in the coaches. LSU won easily on Saturday, 41-to-3 over the Kentucky Lions. Coach Les Miles says his team is getting better

Cut 17  (12)   “I promise you”

LSU’s defense was outstanding on Saturday night, holding Kentucky to 217 total yards. Sophomore middle linebacker Kendell Beckwith led the way with nine tackles

Cut 18 (08) “on Saturdays”

Freshman safety Jamal Adams looks like a star in the making. He had eight total tackles against Kentucky, including a sack. Adams says the players on defense have bought into the game plan

Cut 19 (11)   “as a team”

Are Americans overrating about the Ebola threat? Local health officials are urging citizens to calm down. Eric Gill reports.

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

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The community that was hardest hit by the EF2 tornado in northeast Louisiana Monday is making news because of the huge way they are rallying together to help each other out in the aftermath. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (33) “reporting”

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Are we freaking out a little too much over the threat of Ebola in the United States? State and National heath care officials are urging the public to take a chill pill when it comes to the threat of Ebola. Dr. Frank Welch is the Medical Director for the state Department of Health and Hospitals:

CUT 3 (13) “unrealistic fear”

Welch says people aren’t concerned for “no reason” but it’s over the top to think that you’re going to walk outside and contract Ebola. He says, on the other hand, this is a huge wake up call for our health care system to keep their workers safe…:

CUT 4 (12)  “put into practice”

Welch wants to emphasize that Louisiana has been intensively preparing for the possibility of an Ebola patient entering the health care system here at any level…:

CUT 5 (08)  “beforehand”

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

The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested the father and step-mother of the 11-year-old boy who ran away from home in Plain Dealing on charges of child abuse, neglect, and drug charges. Lt. Bill Davis says the search for the boy began Tuesday evening and no one could find him…

CUT 6 (09)  “to the family”

Davis says the boy was found about 25 hours later after going to a home about five miles away tired and looking for food. He was then returned to his family. Davis says at that point the case turned when authorities noticed bruises on the boy’s body…

CUT 7 (10) “against this couple”

43-year-old Ernest Bell and 30-year-old Kristen Downs were booked into the Bossier Maximum Security Facility on several charges including cruelty to a juvenile, criminal neglect of family, and possession of marijuana. The neglect charges stem from the child not being enrolled in school for the past two years. Davis believes the child was just trying to run away from an abusive situation…

CUT 8 (08) “unfortunate case”

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

The community that was hardest hit by the EF2 tornado in northeast Louisiana this week is making news because of the huge way they are rallying together to help each other out in the aftermath. Alan West Brockman is president of a property management company in Monroe and a local musician. He says it was amazing to see how many people came out to help clear all the debris…:

CUT 9 (13)  “and still are”

Brockman says their local celebrated Chef Cory Bahr who owns Restaurant Cotton in the Garden District is offering free meals to those helping out and Wal-Mart donated 500 pounds of meat for him to cook. He says it was a major grass roots effort by citizens taking charge…:

CUT 10 (11)  “to help everybody”

At the peak of Entergy’s outages, about 35,000 customers were without power and Friday morning later that number was down to just under 2700. Brockman says the tornado caused trees to fall onto houses, crush cars, close businesses and several roads were completely impassable….:

CUT 11 (12) “something else happened“

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The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating a domestic violence situation that turned into a murder-suicide Thursday night in Deville. Lt. Tommy Carnline says deputies responded to a 9-1-1 call of shots fired at an apartment complex at around 8:40PM…

CUT 12 (09) “rendering aid”

He says 39-year-old Theresa Ann Johnson of Deville was found with a gunshot wound to the right side of her face. She was transported to a local hospital and succumbed to her injuries Friday morning. Carnline says deputies immediately went on the hunt for the suspect. He says as they were clearing the building, they found him…

CUT  13 (11) “he was deceased”

Carnline says the suspect, 36-year-old Terrel Joe Laprarie, Jr. of Deville, was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Carnline says investigators are trying to determine what exactly happened…

cut 14 (06) “unfortunate tragedy”

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

According to the Federal Election Commission, “Duck Dynasty” family member Republican Zach Dasher has raised the most campaign cash among the candidates for the 5th District Congressional seat.  Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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Members of the Congressional Black Caucus will be in Louisiana today to try to boost black voter turnout with the focus of helping Senator Mary Landrieu’s campaign. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

The Fighting Tigers of LSU are back in Death Valley tomorrow night as they host the Kentucky Wildcats. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

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According to the Federal Election Commission, “Duck Dynasty” family member Republican Zach Dasher has raised the most campaign cash among the candidates for the 5th District Congressional seat.  Dasher has raised over $500,000 through the third quarter.  ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says this shows Dasher’s popularity among individual donors…

Cut 4  (11)  “Zach, right now”

Much of the cash raised by fellow Republican candidates Dr. Ralph Abraham, Harris Brown, and incumbent Vance McAllister was their own.  Stockley says Dasher is benefiting financially from the “Duck Dynasty” association…

Cut 5  (09)  “to also donate”

He says the four leading Republican candidates in this race have very equal levels of spending.  Stockley says although McAllister probably remains the favorite among the Republicans, nothing is guaranteed with less than three weeks to go…

Cut 6 (08)  “competitive election”

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Public Service Commission member Foster Campbell says he’ll call for an investigation into whether or not aging Entergy infrastructure caused extra damage in Ouachita Parish after a tornado blew through Monday. But he says the utility company did a great job getting the power restored to the more than 35,000 who were in the dark…:

CUT 7 (09)  “devastation”

Campbell says he commends those people in the area where the EF2 tornado hit for being so courteous and patient in the aftermath of the storm…:(Entergy says their goal is to have all lights back on by 5pm today.)

Cut 8 (08)   “back on”

Campbell says he also commends the efforts of Entergy for their hard work and quick, cautious response to this disastrous situation. He says it’s been heart warming to see the people in Ouachita Parish doing what they can to help the 600 workers…:

Cut 9 (08)  “every way they can” 

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Members of the Congressional Black Caucus will be in Louisiana today to try to boost black voter turnout with the focus of helping Senator Mary Landrieu’s campaign. The 42 member caucus of Democrats say they are pushing Landrieu hard because they want to keep control of the Senate. Louisiana Black Caucus Chairwoman Katrina Jackson…:

Cut 10 (09)  “the biggest thing”

Jackson says the Congressional Black Caucus will be in New Orleans and Baton Rouge through Monday and possibly visit Alexandria. She says they will be encouraging voters to push the button for Landrieu, Congressman Cedric Richmond and 5th Congressional District Candidate, Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo…:

cut 11 (07)  “these candidates”

Jackson says national and local Democrats are spending upwards of $700,000 for get-out-the-vote efforts in the state. She encourages residents to greet these United State politicians well…:

cut 12 (10)  “another seat”

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There’s been another sexual student/teacher incident. The Acadia Parish Sheriff’s office says a woman who teaches at Crowley High is under arrest for allegedly being inappropriately involved with some of her students. Spokeswoman Maxine Trahan says they received an initial report about 34-year-old Tracy Marie Barras of Duson in early October…:

Cut 13 (10)  “inappropriate behavior”

Trahan says they were contacted by officials with the Acadia Parish School board about possible inappropriate behavior…:

Cut 14 (04)  “male students”

Barras was booked this week into the Acadia Parish jail on $60,000 bond. Trahan says after an investigation they were able to obtain a warrant for the arrest of Barras…:

Cut 15  (09)  “16 years of age”

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The Fighting Tigers of LSU are back in Death Valley tomorrow night as they host the Kentucky Wildcats. The purple and gold are coming off an exciting win at Florida and will be looking to keep that momentum going into Saturday’s game. Tiger Rag Editor Robert Stewart says this should be a close game…:

Cut 16  (13)   “come out on top”

Stewart thinks LSU should come out on top because it is a home game that will be filled with excited Tiger fans, but since the Bayou Bengals have struggled so much on defense it will probably be a closer game than many people think. Leonard Fournette is coming off his best game of the season and Stewart says you can expect another nice performance out of the running back…:

Cut 17  (10)   “big game”

The Kentucky game begins a three game home-stand with Ole Miss coming in next weekend then Alabama on November 8th. Coach Les Miles says Anthony Jennings will start at quarterback again. Stewart says you can expect to see the Mad Hatter putting Jennings in the same safe situations he had him in the Florida game…:

Cut 18 (15) “capable of”

Louisiana 911 operators will begin screening callers for Ebola symptoms. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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An LSU employee who was recently in Ebola stricken Liberia has been asked to stay off campus for three weeks. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

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The LSU Police Department is seeking the public’s help in their investigation of an alleged rape that occurred on campus. Capt. Corey Lalonde says the victim reported she was walking along West Lakeshore Drive on October 7th when she was approached by a group of male subjects…

CUT 3 (11) “incident took place”

LaLonde says one of the subjects allegedly grabbed the victim and forced her to the ground. He says the other subjects surrounded them while the incident took place. LaLonde says there is normally a considerable amount of traffic in that area…

CUT 4 (13)  “our investigation”

They are asking anyone who may have seen something unusual in the area on that day to please contact LSU Police or Crime Stoppers. LaLonde says LSUPD has no information to indicate that this is anything other than an isolated incident…

CUT 5 (09)  “as soon as possible”

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

A new protocol has been implemented to 911 operators in Louisiana which has them screen callers for Ebola symptoms. Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director Kevin Davis says the caller will be asked a series of questions about ilnesses, particularly fever and recent travel. He says that will help EMS responding…:

CUT 6 (10)  “a suspected case”

Davis says the operators would ask about flu like symptoms, whether the person has recently been to an Ebola outbreak country and if they have been in contact with someone who has been exposed to the virus. He says the information would immediately be sent to responders…:

CUT 7 (09) “on the scene”

Davis says the callers answers would determine whether more questions would follow and whether the emergency responder would need to wear protective gear to the call. He says the person would be asked additional questions when in route then EMS would let the hospital know they have a suspect patient…:

CUT 8 (11) “would then kick in”

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

An LSU employee who was recently in Ebola stricken Liberia has been asked to stay off campus for 21 days. That’s the time frame during which symptons of the virus could show up according to Olivia Watkins with the state Department of Health and Hospitals. She says the man told DHH he did not have contact with anyone who had Ebola so he’s night considered high risk…:

CUT 9 (12)  “twice daily”

The man was reportedly part of a team who taught Liberian police how to put on and discard protective gear such as gloves, booties and protective covering. Watkins says the man is not being forced to stay in his home while he has no symptoms…:

CUT 10 (10)  “the hospital”

Watkins says it’s important to remember that Ebola can not be passed to another individual when there are no symptoms present. She says DHH is working closely with LSU and with GOHSEP to make sure that everyone is communicating and getting updates on the situation…:

CUT 11 (09) “level of preparedness“

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

Many homes and businesses in Monroe and West Monroe remain powerless as a result of a tornado that moved through the area Monday. Entergy spokesman Roderick Worthy says at the height of the storm, about 38,000 customers were without power in the Ouachita Parish area…

CUT 12 (06) “and tomorrow”

Worthy says less than 5,000 customers remain without electricity. Entergy’s goal is to have power fully restored tomorrow. Worthy says Entergy’s system sustained significant damage as the EF-2 tornado rolled through…

CUT  13 (13) “and repair service”

Worthy says damage to Entergy’s infrastructure has slowed the pace at which they can restore and repair service. He asks everyone to please be patient and, more importantly, be safe…

cut 14 (11) “away from it”

Residents in Ouachita Parish continue to clean up after Monday’s EF-2 tornado ripped through the area. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

Could the Ebola outbreak in West Africa be having an effect on the price we pay for chocolate? A local chocolate maker doesn’t think so. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (33) “reporting”

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According to the latest economic projection numbers for Louisiana by LSU Economists Loren Scott & Jim Richardson, The Bayou State is projected to surpass 2 million overall jobs by 2015. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 3 (26) “reporting”

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Residents in Ouachita Parish continue to clean up after Monday’s tornado ripped through the area. An EF-2 tornado tore through Monroe and West Monroe. Ouachita Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director Neil Brown says the biggest challenges facing residents now are debris and power…

Cut 4  (10)  “on the debris”

Brown says many residents, including himself, may not get power restored to their home until Friday. He says preliminary damage assessment teams will be coming to the area in the next few days. Brown says, as of now, he cannot set a monetary figure to the amount of damage the tornado has caused, but is is significant…

Cut 5  (12)  “lot of damage”

Brown is hopeful the area will qualify for state and federal funds to help repair the damage the tornado left behind. Despite the destruction the storm left behind, Brown says all the news from Ouachita Parish isn’t bad…

Cut 6 (11)  “anything like that”

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Latest campaign finance totals in the US Senate race show Republican challenger Bill Cassidy with one million dollars more in cash on hand than Democratic incumbent Mary Landrieu. Cassidy has four-point-four million, while Landrieu has three-point-four million. Political analyst Clancy Dubos points out Landrieu raised more money than Cassidy in the third quarter

CUT 7 (09)  “close that gap”

Landrieu raised two-point-seven million dollars in the third quarter, beating out Cassidy by two-hundred thousand dollars. Dubos expects Landrieu to spend more of her campaign funds than her main GOP challenger

Cut 8 (07)   “for the runoff”

The third major candidate in the race, Air Force Colonel Rob Maness, reports he has 388-thousand dollars in his account. He says fundraising will continue up until the November fourth election and beyond

Cut 9 (10)  “each” 

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Could the Ebola outbreak in West Africa be having an effect on the price we pay for chocolate? A local chocolate maker doesn’t think so. Michael Nelson is the Vice President of Operations at Elmer Candy Corporation in Ponchatoula. He says the concern among some market analysts is that the Ebola crisis could spread from Liberia to Ghana, where almost two-thirds of the world’s cocoa beans are sourced:

Cut 10 (11)  “in that region”

Nelson says chocolate is trading above what he would consider a fundamental level in terms of a supply and demand standpoint, but he says that’s as much the Ebola scare as it is the speculative traders in the market…:

cut 11 (10)  “financial speculators”

Nelson says you should know there is no way to contract Ebola from chocolate. He says the harvest is about to begin and is rumored to be very good. Nelson doesn’t see evidence, at this point, that the Ebola outbreak is moving the price of cocoa…:

cut 12 (13)  “thirty one hundred”

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According to the latest economic projection numbers for Louisiana by Loren Scott & Jim Richardson, The Bayou State is projected to surpass 2 million overall jobs by 2015. Dr. Scott says we have an industrial boom going on right now that is completely off the charts compared to anything we’ve seen in Louisiana history…:

Cut 13 (13)  “in the state”

Louisiana’s Economic Outlook projects the state to add 34,100 jobs in 2015. Dr. Scott says there has been this incredible industrial expansion and it’s due in part to the huge drop in the price of natural gas…:

Cut 14 (11)  “really picked up”

Dr. Scott says the Baton Rouge area is expected to be the second fastest growing over the next 2 years with about 19,600 new jobs or a 2.4 percent growth. He says areas north of I-10 will see growth but not nearly what the southern region will. Scott says Lafayette and Houma will also see big gains but the big winner will be Lake Charles…:

Cut 15  (12)  “a way to ship”

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The Saints will go up against one of their former first round picks when they visit the Detroit Lions this Sunday. Reggie Bush, who New Orleans drafted in 2006, is in his second season with the Lions. Coach Sean Payton says Bush is still an explosive player…

Cut 16  (17)   “that sudden”

The Saints are coming off a bye week, which gave players like Mark Ingram and Jonathan Goodwin a chance to get healthy for Sunday’s Detroit game. Quarterback Drew Brees says with the Saints sitting at 2-and-3, now is the time to string some victories together

Cut 17  (11)   “accomplish”

There’s a good chance the Saints will not have tight end Jimmy Graham for Sunday’s game against the Lions. Graham has a shoulder injury that knocked him out of a game nearly two weeks ago. Brees says that means more chances for the other tight ends and wide receivers on the roster

Cut 18 (19)  “great job “

The big question lingering after last night’s US Senate race debate is who were the winners and losers? Eric Gill has more on that…

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

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There are now two Texas health care workers who have the Ebola virus. So are Louisiana hospitals prepared to treat an Ebola patient? Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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The big question lingering after last night’s US Senate race debate is who were the winners and losers? UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross thinks both Senator Mary Landrieu and retired Air Force Colonel Rob Maness helped themselves last night. However, Cross doesn’t think it was a great debate overall for Congressman Bill Cassidy…

CUT 3 (09) “of that then”

Cross says Cassidy had a couple of kinks in his performance during the debate. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says a lot of people were focusing on Cassidy’s performance last night because it was his first debate…

CUT 4 (08)  “at this point” 2X

Hogan says Cassidy didn’t do much to dazzle voters, but he really doesn’t need to at this point. Hogan says this debate did not feature any defining moment in which the candidates were able to hit on any major theme to shake things up in the race…

CUT 5 (14)  “prior to the debate”

Hogan doesn’t believe this debate will change any voter’s minds, and Cross agrees. Cross says one thing that intrigued him about the debate was how much the candidates disagreed with each other on certain issues…

CUT 6 (10)  “bring that out”

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A second Dallas hospital worker has tested positive for Ebola. Both workers contracted the virus while providing care to Thomas Duncan, who died from the disease a week ago today. So are Louisiana hospitals prepared to handle an Ebola patient? Louisiana Hospital Association Vice President Ken Alexander believes so, thanks to daily guidance provided by the C-D-C

CUT 7 (11) “those out”

National Nurses United is concerned about the new case, and questions whether nurses have been adequately trained and have the protective gear to take care of Ebola patietns. Alexander says what has happened in Texas is providing learning moments for the health care industry…

CUT 8 (11) “the tee”

Alexander says he’s confident the health care industry in Louisiana is doing everything it can to properly prepare for Ebola cases in this state

CUT 9 (09)  “webinar”

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Louisiana State Police is investigating a fatal pedestrian accident which occurred on I-10 just before 3am in Ascension Parish. Trooper Jared Sandifer says 21-year-old April Tasker of Geismar was stopped on the side of the road next to her car when for unknown reasons she attempted to walk across the interstate…:

CUT 10 (06)  “the roadway”

Sandifer says the 18-wheeler was driven by 67-year-old Wilhelm Salewski of Dayton, Texas and hew was in the left land of travel when he struck Tasker…:

CUT 11 (07) “the roadway“

Sandifer says Tasker was pronounced dead at the scene. He says it’s illegal to walk across the interstate but there are simple safety guidelines pedestrians should follow in any case…:

CUT 12 (07) “the roadway”

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The National Weather Service confirms that a tornado did indeed hit Ouachita Parish Monday. The tornado was part of the severe weather activity that did widespread damage to Monroe and West Monroe. NWS Meteorologist Bill Parker says the tornado that touched down was an EF-2…

CUT  13 (11) “300 yards wide”

Parker says maximum winds associated with the tornado were 125 miles per hour and the path length was nine miles. Parker says the tornado went right through the cities of West Monroe and Monroe…

cut 14 (06) “snapped, uprooted”

The NWS sent a team to the area yesterday to survey the damage. An EF-2 tornado has winds between 111 and 135 miles per hour. Parker says it is fortunate that the area only sustained property damage as a result of this tornado…

cut 15 (05) “a blessing”

The Louisiana Department of Revenue’s 2014 Louisiana Tax Amnesty program begins today giving delinquent tax payers a chance to settle their overdue debt with the state. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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There’s a new study out by the Williams Institute at the University of California in Los Angeles which shows allowing same sex couples to marry in Louisiana would be a huge boost to the economy. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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The three major candidates in the US Senate race appeared in a televised debate last night. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

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The Louisiana Department of Revenue is offering delinquent tax payers a chance to settle their overdue debt with the state. The 2014 Louisiana Tax Amnesty period begins today and runs through November 14. Deputy Secretary Jarrod Coniglio says this is a golden opportunity to get up-to-date on late taxes…

Cut 4  (13)  “that is due” 2X

He says, during the amnesty period, tax payers can settle their debt by paying 100-percent of delinquent taxes and 50-percent of interest owed. The department will waive the remaining 50-percent of interest and 100-percent of the penalty that is due. Coniglio says this year’s amnesty is offering something new, an installment plan…

Cut 5  (10)  “by May first”

He says with the installment plan, tax payers pay 20-percent down and the department will break up the remaining balance into six payments. Last year’s tax amnesty period collected $435 million that went into the state budget. Coniglio says this year’s goal is not quite as lofty…

Cut 6 (06)  “for this amnesty”

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The first meeting of a working group put together by state Senator JP Morrell to review sexual assault policies on Louisiana’s college campuses takes place today. The New Orleans lawmaker wants to craft legislation that seeks to prevent sexual assault incidents at higher education institutions in Louisiana. He says they will begin with education…:

CUT 7 (12)  “so to speak”

Morrell requested a report from the Board of Regents which asked colleges to give the number of sexual assault cases it’s handled and how they were investigated. He says these issues are handled differently from campus to campus…:

Cut 8 (06)   “to do”

Morrell says today’s meeting will be mostly introductory to try to figure out the key areas they would like colleges to address in implementing sexual assault policies for students…:

Cut 9 (09)  “onto college campuses” 

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According to a study by the Williams Institute at the University of California in Los Angeles, if same-sex couples were allowed to marry in Louisiana, it would mean an economic boost of over $28 million to the state over three years. Forum for Equality chairman John Denison..:

Cut 10 (13)  “basic civil right”

The study predicts 4,038 in-state same-sex couples would get married in Louisiana within the first three years. The figures show spending on those weddings by same-sex resident couples and their out-of-state guests would generate $28.3 million dollars in the same time frame. Denison says weddings are big business…:

cut 11 (12)  “in our restaurants”

Denison says study after study has demonstrated that marriage for same-sex couples creates jobs and adds significant revenue to Louisiana’s bottom line…:

cut 12 (13)  “right for them to marry”

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The three major candidates in the US Senate race appeared in a televised debate last night. Analysts’ have said that US Senator Mary Landrieu needed to take some shots as she’s trailing in the polls to Republican Challenger Bill Cassidy so she went after him early in the debate…:

Cut 13 (16)  ” for his record”

Congressman Cassidy’s theme during the majority of the 1 hour debate was about Landrieu voting with President Barack Obama 97% of the time and his intention to vote to get rid of Obamacare if elected…:

Cut 14 (16)  “then vote Bill Cassidy”

Retired Air Force Col Rob Maness took shots at both Landrieu and Cassidy and criticized President Obama in most of his answers…:

Cut 15  (16)  “kick the can down the road”

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The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame 2015 Induction Class features a lot of star power. The eight-member class was announced Tuesday afternoon and there’s plenty of familiar names, led by LSU’s all-time leading rusher Kevin Faulk and former Ragin Cajuns star and Super Bowl quarterback Jake Delhomme. Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Chairman Doug Ireland….

Cut 16  (17)   “in Lafayette”

Ireland says the class also features three coach legends…Otis Washington, Pat Collins, Yvette Girouard

Cut 17  (21)   “like her”

The class also features former NBA point guard Avery Johnson of New Orleans, championship thoroughbred racing trainer Frank Brothers and former McNeese State standout Leonard Smith

Cut 18 (21)  “as a cornerback “