Today is the last day to register to vote for the important November 4th election in Louisiana. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (33) “reporting”

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This week, the state Department of Health and Hospitals is providing a flyer to Louisiana schools to inform parents about the Ebola virus. Scott Carwile has more…

Cut 2 (31) “reporting”

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The LSU Tigers are 0-and-2 in the SEC and a long season looks to be in the future for Tiger fans. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (29) “reporting”

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Today is the last day to register to vote for the upcoming November 4th election and Secretary of State Tom Schedler is urging Louisianians to make sure they can cast a ballot. Citizens will be choosing a new Senator for Louisiana and it could go a long way towards deciding which party has control of the United States Senate. Schedler says that’s why getting people to register and to the polls is critical…:

Cut 4  (11)  “moves to Republicans side”

Schedler says this deadline is for citizens who have never registered to vote as well as voters who would like to make changes to their registration. He says this is one of the largest elections ever as far as offices up for grabs…:

Cut 5  (11)  “or so”

Schedler says you can easily and quickly register to vote online at geauxvote.com (geaux spelled the Cajun way.) He says they estimate there will be 30,000 new voters for this election in Louisiana. Schedler says the predict voter turnout for this election will be between 45-50%. He says there is a very important step to take after you register…:

Cut 6 (09)  “low voter turnout”

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Governor Bobby Jindal continues to make appearances across the country as everyone wonders whether or not he will run for president in 2016. Today, the governor will give a speech about rebuilding America’s military strength at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, DC. Jindal has said he will not make an announcement until after the November elections, probably after the holidays…

CUT 7 (07)  “Mary Landrieu”

Jindal plans to give a similar speech tomorrow at The Citadel in South Carolina. Jindal says, as he’s traveled across the country, he gets a sense that people want a major change of direction in the nation’s capital…

Cut 8 (05)   “American dream”

Although many people feel he is leaning towards a presidential run, Jindal says he still has more he wants to accomplish in the state before his term is up…

Cut 9 (07)  “paying jobs” 

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This week, the state Department of Health and Hospitals is providing a flyer to Louisiana schools to inform parents about the Ebola virus. The flyer will make sure parents have accurate information about the virus. DHH spokesperson Olivia Watkins says there are a lot of rumors about Ebola popping up on social media networks…

Cut 10 (05)  “of information”

Parents will recieve the information directly from the school district. Watkins says a lot of the social media rumors are being spread by young people. She says DHH wanted to make sure parents had accurate up to date information…

cut 11 (08)  “nor to Louisiana”

Watkins says DHH will be sharing with the public as much information about Ebola as possible. She says, if you’d like to read the flyer, it’s available on their webpage…

cut 12 (08)  “Twitter page”

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Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell wants an independent review of SWEPCO’s ability to maintain service during severe weather. Officials with SWEPCO reported widespread power outages due to a thunderstorm that traveled through the area late last week. Campbell says this is the second time in three months weather has caused widespread outages for SWEPCO customers and he wants answers…

Cut 13 (07)  “doing their job”

SWEPCO reported as many as 35,000 resident were left without power due to thunderstorm activity that contained winds up to 60 miles per hour. Campbell says the PSC regulates several electric companies…

Cut 14 (07)  “the problems are”

Campbell plans to request ask for the authority to conduct a thorough investigation of SWEPCO’s ability to provide electricity during bad weather at the next PCS meeting. He says these outages have him concerned, especially with winter around the corner…

Cut 15  (11)  “an ice storm”

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For the first time since 2001, LSU is 0-and-2 in the Southeastern Conference after suffering its worst loss since 1999. Auburn crushed the Tigers last Saturday 41-7. Freshman Quarterback Brandon Harris summed up the game well…

Cut 16  (13)   “awful”

Harris was 3-of-14 for 58 yards. He also sprained his ankle in the game. Anthony Jennings came off the bench and did a little, better 5-of-10 for 84 yards. The Tigers defense wasn’t much better, as they surrendered 566 yards of total offense. Coach Les Miles says the problems on defense can be tied to an ineffective offense…

Cut 17  (12)   “sustained”

Based on the first two SEC games, it looks like a rebuilding year for the Tigers. But Coach Les Miles says there’s still plenty of victories to be had in this season, if his team can execute better

Cut 18 (15)  “go forward”

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The Saints may have saved their season on Sunday as they come from behind to beat Tampa Bay 37-31. It was an up and down day for the offense as Quarterback Drew Brees was intercepted three times, but the running game was strong throughout, led by Khiry Robinson who rushed for 89 yards and a game-winning 18 yard touchdown run. Coach Sean Payton on the ground game…

cut 19 (20)  “like that”

The win gives the Saints a 2-and-3 record heading into a bye week and they are just one game back of Carolina for first place in the NFC South. Payton on the importance of this victory

Cut 20 (15) ” that tape”

State Police has released more information about the fatal shooting of a St. John Parish deputy who was killed by fellow law enforcement last week. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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By the end of this fall semester, first-year TOPS students will begin receiving text messages reminding them of their obligations to retain their scholarship. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

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The University of Louisiana at Lafayette Police Department says a linebacker was arrested this week on domestic abuse battery charges. Sergeant Bill Abrams says they responded to a complaint at one of the parking towers on campus in reference to a domestic disturbance…:

CUT 3 (08) “local hospital”

Abrams says based on statements from the victim and also video evidence they arrested Christian Hill. He says the incident was caught on tape…:

CUT 4 (04)  “of the video”

Team officials announce Hill has been suspended indefinitely from competition. Abrams says they are unsure of the condition of the victim at this time…:

CUT 5 (11) “at the hospital”

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PSC member Scott Angelle’s entrance into next year’s governor’s race gives us four candidates for the state’s top elected position. Could the field get bigger? Jeremy Alford, with la-politics-dot-com anticipates one or two more well-known candidates. Alford says many democrats are encouraging New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu to run…

CUT 6 (07)  “as well”

So far there’s only one announced democrat and that’s Amite Representative John Bel Edwards. Alford says on the republican side, state treasurer John Kennedy is seriously considering this race

CUT 7 (09) “crowded field”

The four announced candidates, Angelle, Edwards, senator David Vitter and Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne are all from south Lousiaina. Alford says that means there are votes to be had in north Louisiana

CUT 8 (06) “up there”

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State Police has released more information about the fatal shooting of a St. John Parish deputy who was killed by fellow law enforcement last week. Trooper Melissa Matey says Lt. Nolan Anderson was heard threatening deputies before they even responded to the scene of a violent domestic dispute on September 24th…:

CUT 9 (09)  “to the aid of the wife”

Matey says when cops arrived they heard several shots being fired inside the home…:

CUT 10 (09)  “his wife’s head”

Matey says cops saw Anderson holding his wife at gunpoint then firing his weapon which resulted in deputies using lethal force. Matey says they have the 911 call and also the radio transmissions made by Anderson…:(The investigation is ongoing.)

CUT 11 (08) “on to the scene“

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By the end of this fall semester, first-year TOPS students will begin receiving text messages reminding them of their requirements to retain their scholarship. Gus Wales, with the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance, says the goal of this new program is pretty straightforward…

CUT 12 (08) “freshman year”

He says about 40-percent of TOPS students lose their award each year, which primarily occurs during the student’s freshman year. Wales says letters are sent to each recipient informing them of their TOPS obligations, but a lot of students don’t read it. He says this program is an effort to reach students in a medium they already utilize…

CUT 13 (10) “through texts”

The texts will remind students of minimum grade point averages, number of credit hours, and other things they need to do to remain in the TOPS program. Wales says, in some cases, mass text messages will be sent out to all TOPS freshmen, but they can also tailor messages to address specific needs to a specific set of students…

cut 14 (07) “specific groups”

A political analyst says Scott Angelle’s entry into next year’s governor’s race shakes the field up a bit. Scott Carwile has more…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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There’s a cold front moving across Louisiana as you wake up this weekend is going to be lovely. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (31) “reporting”

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Louisiana agriculture officials are seeking looser restrictions from the federal government on the use of drones. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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Public Service Commission member Scott Angelle has thrown his hat into the ring for next year’s governor’s race. Angelle joins fellow Republicans Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne and US Senator David Vitter, as well as Democrat state Representative John Bel Edwards as contenders for the state’s top office. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says Angelle becomes the leading cajun in the race…

Cut 4  (07)  “the dynamic”

Dubos says if the former interim Lt. Governor from Breaux Bridge can run a good campaign, he would be the logical favorite of conservative voters in Acadiana. He says one thing that separates Angelle from Dardenne and Vitter is personality…

Cut 5  (06)  “serve him well”

He feels Angelle is a very energetic and engaging campaigner and that will serve him well as the governor’s race gets going. However, Dubos says Angelle does face an uphill battle when it comes to name recognition in comparison to Vitter and Dardenne. He says Angelle is not well known outside of Acadiana…

Cut 6 (12)  “into north Louisiana”

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There’s a cold front moving across Louisiana as you wake up this morning and it’s going to produce a nice weather treat this weekend. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the system has produced scattered showers through different parts of Louisiana, but we should be all clear by the time high school football rolls around tonight…:

CUT 7 (12)  “might be required”

Keim says tomorrow morning you can expect temperatures in the upper 40s across north Louisiana, in the 50s across central Louisiana and in the low 60s around the coastal regions…:

Cut 8 (10)   “of Louisiana”

Keim says the beautiful dry weather will stay with us all the way into next week…:

Cut 9 (09)  “absolutely glorious” 

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Louisiana agriculture officials are seeking looser restrictions from the federal government on the use of drones. Farmers could use drones to make crop production more efficient, but current FAA rules make this illegal. LSU AgCenter Vice Chancellor Rogers Leonard says there are many uses for drones on farms…

Cut 10 (10)  “across the state”

He says current FAA rules don’t allow the use of drones for research or commercial purposes. The agency will release proposed modified rules and regulations regarding drones in November. Leonard says FAA regulations only address issues with hobbyists and commercially piloted aircraft…

cut 11 (10)  “a gray area”

He says drones can help farmers become more efficient, save time, and increase safety. Leonard hopes the FAA creates a specific category for agricultural use of drones. He says agriculture is probably one of the largest areas where drone use can be done safely…

cut 12 (09)  “mechanical problem”

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The Louisiana Public Service Commission is encouraging motorists to use the hashtag symbol and the letter X in a text message to friends before they get behind the wheel. PSC Chairman Erik Skrmetta says that’s the new social media mechanism to tell people, I’m driving…dont’ text me

Cut 13 (10)  “back to them”

Skrmetta says he does a lot of driving in his eleven parish district and he sees numerous people who do not have their hands on the wheel, because they are too busy texting

Cut 14 (07)  “by it”

The hashtag-X symbol is the latest national effort to get people to stop texting and driving. Skrmetta is asking Louisiana residents to take this pledge…

Cut 15  (10)  not to do it”

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15th ranked LSU is at 5th ranked Auburn tomorrow in a SEC west matchup. The Tigers already have one loss in conference play, a 34-29 loss to Mississippi State. The Bulldogs rushed for 302 yards in that contest and Tiger Rag Editor Robert Stewart is concerned LSU will have trouble stopping Auburn’s rushing attack…

Cut 16  (15)   “in a shootout”

Offensively, Auburn is led by senior quarterback Nick Marshall, who led the War Eagles to the national championship game last season. Stewart says Marshall rushed for over one-thousand yards last season and he can also make some plays through the air..

Cut 17  (12)   “Auburn offense”

Stewart says with LSU starting a true freshman at quarterback, it’s expected the Tigers will look to run the football

Cut 18 (12)  “this time around”

Governor Jindal’s approval rating is 34-percent according to a statewide survey by Public Policy Polling. Jeff Palermo has the story

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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Is a double standard at play with the way people are responding to the teacher sex with male student scandal out of Destrahan High? Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (32) “reporting”

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Public Service Commission member Scott Angelle announced today he plans to run for governor next year. Angelle says he wants to work with Democrats and other political parties to make Louisiana a better state…

CUT 3 (11) “for Louisiana”

Angelle is the third major Republican to enter the race. Senator David Vitter and Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne are the other two. Amite Representative John Bel Edwards is the lone Democrat in the race. Angelle says he’s not focused on the other candidates and wishes them best of luck in this race…

CUT 4 (07)  “things right”

Angelle is from Breaux Bridge and has served in state government as an interim lieutenant governor and also served as the Secretary for the Department of Natural Resources. Angelle says he plans to run a high energy campaign that’s focused on people, not just policy..

CUT 5 (05) “history”

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A new statewide poll of 11-hundred Louisiana residents finds 34-percent of them disapprove of Governor Jindal’s job performance and 47-percent of them would rather have Edwin Edwards as the state’s governor than Jindal. LSU Political Science Professor Wayne Parent says Louisiana residents are tired of Jindal’s out-of-state travels, when there’s problems to address in this state…

CUT 6 (08)  “that dramatically”

The Public Policy Poll asked its respondents who they would rather have as Governor…Edwin Edwards or Bobby Jindal. 47-percent said the former four-term governor, while 43-percent said Jindal. Parent says Jindal’s presidential aspirations have rubbed voters the wrong way

CUT 7 (06) “is not”

Parent says Jindal has done well in the area of economic development, but low income residents do not think the governor has done enough for them and it’s reflected in this poll

CUT 8 (08) “like that”

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The state Fire Marshal’s Office says an early morning fire yesterday in Farmerville has claimed the life of a 29-year-old newlywed and her husband was arrested on drug charges. The victim has been identified as 29-year-old Valene Henderson. Deputy Chief Brant Thompson says the initial investigation determined that the fire originated in the master bedroom of the wood framed home…

CUT 9 (10)  “of the fire”

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. The victim’s husband, 30-year-old MacArthur Gray, was not at home at the time of the fire. Thompson says Gray returned home shortly after fire crews arrived and provided investigators information about the couple’s activity immediately before the fire…

CUT 10 (10)  “Tuesday morning”

He says the couple was using candles as a light source because their electricity had recently been shut off. Henderson’s body is being taken to Little Rock so an autopsy can be performed. Thompson says Gray was found to be in possession of suspected crack cocaine at the scene and was arrested…

CUT 11 (09) “Office, today“

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The story about the two teachers from Destrehan High who were allegedly sexually involved with a 16-year-old male student is generating a lot of talk about societal double standards. Would we feel the same about this if the victim were female? Dave Brashear is a social worker in southeast Louisiana. He says our first response to this might be to think the teen got lucky and wasn’t traumatized…:

CUT 12 (12) “for boys”

32-year-old Shelley Dufrense and 24-year-old Rachel Respess are facing felony charges for what police are calling a “three way tryst” they allegedly had with this student. Apparently the incident was reported after the victim was bragging about it to other students. But Brashear says just because the teen was bragging, it doesn’t mean what happened is okay with him…:

CUT 13 (10) “thought he did”

Brashear says boys can be just as traumatized as females when it comes to sexual encounters like this — it may just not be expressed the same way. He says for one thing, the story has been exposed all over the place…:

cut 14 (13) “set of issues”

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The University of Louisiana at Lafayette reports their graduation rate has risen by more than 49-percent over the last decade. The current graduation rate stands at nearly 48-percent, compared to 32-percent in 2004. Vice President for Enrollment Management, Dr. DeWayne Bowie, feels a big part of the increase is that UL-L is now a selective admissions institution…

cut 15 (10) “on campus here”

He says their short-term goal is to get the school’s graduation rate to over 50-percent. Bowie is particularly proud of the university’s athletic department. Ragin’ Cajun student athlete’s graduation rate is at 75-percent, which is the highest in the state and the Sun Belt Conference…

cut 16 (11) “record graduation rate”

With the news out of Dallas of the first confirmed case of Ebola in the United States, state officials are taking action to ensure Louisiana is ready for any potential threat. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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Now that we’re into October you’ll start seeing pink all over the place for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (31) “reporting”

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Two Destrehan High School teachers have been suspended without pay and face criminal charges for allegedly having sex with a student. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (29) “reporting”

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The first autumn cold front hits Louisiana today. CS Ross, with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says the front will roll through the state through early tomorrow morning…

Cut 4  (09)  “needed rainfall”

He says a line of showers and thunderstorms will form along the front bringing the potential for wind damage. Ross says they do not expect any tornadic activity with the front, although you can’t completely rule that out. He says this front will bring some much needed rain to north Louisiana…

Cut 5  (11)  “up this way”

Ross says once the cold front moves through the state, we can expect sunny skies and great weather across Louisiana for the weekend…

Cut 6 (06)  “approaching 80”

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With the news out of Dallas of the first confirmed case of Ebola in the United States, state officials are taking action to ensure Louisiana is ready for any potential threat. State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says there are no cases of Ebola in Louisiana right now. He says residents should learn about Ebola, but there is no need to panic…

CUT 7 (13)  “it doesn’t spread”

He says there is a lot of infrastructure in place that if someone in Louisiana has the Ebola virus, it can be contained to where it doesn’t spread. Governor Jindal and GOHSEP held a meeting yesterday to get an update from state agencies to make sure the state is prepared. Guidry says, as of now, only a specific group of people is susceptible to Ebola…

Cut 8 (08)   “to the disease”

Guidry says you can protect yourself from Ebola simply by washing with soap and water or barrier methods, such as wearing gloves. He says the Ebola virus is not something you can readily catch, like the common cold…

Cut 9 (09)  “sneezes on you” 

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Now that we’re into October you’ll start seeing pink all over the place for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Dr. Mignonne Morrell with the LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine is also an Academic Director of Breast Imaging. She says the pink awareness month helps to educate people about the disease, then people donate money to the cause…:

Cut 10 (06)  “of treating breast cancer”

The American Cancer Society recommends women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health. Morrell says Breast Cancer awareness month also helps educate women on when they should have a mammogram and a clinical breast exam…:

cut 11 (11)  “among women”

Morrell says right now there are over two and a half million in the US that have a history of breast cancer. She says the more you increase the conversation about the disease, the more likely a woman is to encounter someone who caught it at an early stage which is the goal of breast cancer screening…:

cut 12 (07)  “to the patient”

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Two teachers from Destrehan High School in St. Charles Parish are facing criminal charges after they allegedly had sex with a student who was 16-years-old at the time. Kenner Police Chief Michael Glaser says they know of one sexual encounter between the student and two teachers that occurred on September 12th at a home in Kenner

Cut 13 (10)  “of juveniles”

The two teachers arrested are 32-year-old Shelley Dufrense and 24-year-old Rachel Respess. Dufrense is also facing an additional charge of carnal knowledge of a juvenile in St. Charles Parish for inappropriate sexual contact that allegedly occurred at home in Montz. Glaser says the investigation started in St. Charles

Cut 14 (07)  “upon it”

Glaser says Dufrense was a teacher of the victim’s this year, while Respess was the student’s English teacher last year. St. Charles public schools says both teachers have been suspended without pay. Glaser says it’s a disappointing crime to have to discuss

Cut 15  (10)  be outraged”

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Louisiana Tech looks to break a two-game losing streak when they host Conference USA foe UTEP on Saturday. The Bulldogs are coming off losses against Northwestern State and Auburn. Tech Head Coach Skip Holtz says the team is not happy about their recent losses, so the only way to make things better is to get a win this Saturday

Cut 16  (21)   “get there”

Saturday marks seven straight conference games for Tech to end the regular season. They head into this stretch with a two and three record. Holtz says they shown the ability to play really well at times, but there’s also been stretches of mistake prone play

Cut 17  (09)   “too”

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The Saints are 1-and-3 heading into Sunday’s match-up with the Tampa Buccaneers. New Orleans running back Pierre Thomas says there’s no reason to panic as there’s plenty of games left to turn the season around….

Cut 18 (18)  “hand on us”

Who Dat nation is discouraged by the team’s one-and-three start. But Quarterback Drew Brees is asking fans to have faith that they can turn things around…

cut 19 (10)  “find a way”

Another statewide poll on the US Senate race has been released that shows Congressman Bill Cassidy leading Senator Mary Landrieu in a possible December runoff election. Jeff Palermo has the story

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s office says an Amite Police Officer is under arrest on multiple charges of kidnapping, sexual battery and rape. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (32) “reporting”

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Another statewide poll shows Congressman Bill Cassidy with a three-percentage point lead over Senator Mary Landrieu in a possible December runoff. Public Policy Polling has Cassidy at 48-percent, Landrieu at 45-percent. A CNN poll also had Cassidy with a three-percentage point lead. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says it is significant for two reputable polls to have Cassidy in the lead

CUT 3 (06) “in peril”

Cross says republican attacks that claim Landrieu is out of touch with Louisiana and she’s tied to President Barack Obama are working for Cassidy. He says Landrieu needs to keep countering those claims…

CUT 4 (07)  “record”

Cross says the Cassidy campaign has to be pleased with the polls that show him leading a three-term incumbent…

CUT 5 (07) “about now “

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The federal government begins sending out refund checks to those homeowners who overpaid for their insurance premiums. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the refunds will go to those residents who purchased or renewed coverage after 2012 and paid higher premiums, until Congress passed another  law to re-adjust flood insurance rates

CUT 6 (05)  “refund check”

The federal government estimates that about one-million policyholders nationwide will receive refunds that average one-hundred dollars. Donelon says in some cases, homeowners will receive a significant refund, because the Bigger-Waters Act produced significant rate hikes

CUT 7 (07) “went into effect”

President Barack Obama signed legislation last March that lowered premium increases for thousands of policyholders who saw dramatic rate hikes as a result of previous legislation approved by Congress. Donelon is glad the federal government acted and is now sending refund checks

CUT 8 (12) “worthless”

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Today’s October 1st and so far in 2014 we’ve basically had an uneventful hurricane season. But state climatologist Barry Keim says we’re not out of the woods just yet. He says although we are past the peak of hurricane season, October can still be a pretty active month:

CUT 9 (14)  “in 2002”

Keim says this is not the time to put our guard down when it comes to hurricanes, but so far it’s been an extremely quiet season. He says on average the North Atlantic Basin averages about two names storms in October…:

CUT 10 (12)  “Gulf Coast”

Keim says a great example of an October Hurricane was Juan in 1985 which Louisiana was dealing with all the way through to Halloween. He says that’s the latest hurricane we have on record in the state of Louisiana. Keim says in another couple of weeks the chances of a MAJOR hurricane developing drop considerably…:

CUT 11 (05) “hurricane threat“

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The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s office says an Amite Police Officer is under arrest on multiple charges of kidnapping, sexual battery and rape. Spokeswoman Dawn Panepinto says they got a report from a woman in August about a man who had kidnapped her, taken her to a remote location and forced her to perform sexual acts. She says they got a similar report last month…:

CUT 12 (13) “as well”

Panepinto says investigators identified 25-year-old Grant Carruth of Husser as the suspect. He was arrested and taken into custody after midnight. Panepinto says Carruth would pose as a narcotics agent to trick the victims…:

CUT 13 (09) “the remote location”

Panepinto says Carruth is charged with two counts of second degree kidnapping, one count of aggravated rape, one count of sexual battery and one count of theft. She says if anyone else has had a similar experience they should contact authorities…:

cut 14 (10) “come forward yet”

A state judge has ruled a Metairie man, who spent 17 years in prison for an attempted rape he did not commit, is entitled to up to $330,000 in compensation. Scott Carwile has the story…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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According to a LSU Public Policy Research Lab survey, Republican voters in Louisiana are following the election more closely and are more committed to casting ballots than Democratic voters. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 2 (31) “reporting”

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According a recent Public Policy Poll, support for marijuana reform continues to grow in Louisiana. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (32) “reporting”

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A state judge has ruled a Metairie man, who spent 17 years in prison for an attempted rape he did not commit, is entitled to up to $330,000 in compensation.  40-year-old Nathan Brown was released from prison in June after DNA tests proved his innocence.  Innocence Project New Orleans attorney Kristin Wenstrom says Brown is not immediately eligible for the entire sum…

Cut 4  (11)  “was in prison”

State law caps compensation for wrongful imprisonment at $250,000 regardless of how long the person was incarcerated.  Brown is entitled to petition the court for an additional $80,000 for loss of life opportunities.  Wenstrom says that additional money can be for medical expenses, education, and job training…

Cut 5  (12)  “wait for months”

Wenstrom says this money doesn’t make up for 17 years of wrongful incarceration, but it will help Brown restart his life…

Cut 6 (10)  “foundation whatsoever”

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Public Service Commission member Foster Campbell says many Entergy Customers will soon receive a small refund after they were victorious in a fight to expose inflated bills. Campbell says the typical residential customer is in line for a one-time refund of $8. He says they brought the suit against Entergy after finding some red flags in their billing process…:

CUT 7 (08)  “a refund”

Campbell says the refund on a typical Gulf States residential customer bill will be about $15. He says they are voting on the refund at the PSC meeting today…:

Cut 8 (11)   “immediately”

Campbell says it’s the job of the PSC to make sure utility companies like Entergy are doing everything they can to keep bills accurate and not overcharge customers…:

Cut 9 (12)  “we’re gonna get it back” 

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According to a recent survey, Republican voters in Louisiana are following the election more closely and are more committed to casting ballots than Democratic voters. The results are part of LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab’s 2014 Election Report. Research Director, Dr. Michael Henderson, says the report shows Republicans, statewide, are more enthusiastic about the November elections…

Cut 10 (13)  “vote and turnout”

The survey shows 60-percent of Republicans surveyed are closely following the candidates and campaigns, compared to 41-percent of Democrats. The survey polled over 1,000 Louisiana adults. Henderson thinks the lack of enthusiasm among Democrats could hurt Senator Mary Landrieu…

cut 11 (07)  “to show up”

However, he says black Democrats in the Baton Rouge area are particularly engaged. The report shows an amazing 87-percent say they intend to vote in November. Henderson says that’s likely due to the 6th District Congressional race, in part, because it’s an open seat…

cut 12 (13)  “Democratic voters”

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According a recent Public Policy Poll, support for marijuana reform continues to grow in Louisiana. The survey done last week of a sampling of registered voters here found that 78% oppose sentences of longer than 6 months for pot possession — up from 59% last year. Louisiana American Civil Liberties Union Executive Dir Marjorie Esman

Cut 13 (08)  “possessing marijuana”

According to the results, 71% oppose life sentences for marijuana possession up from 65% last year. Esman says 2/3 of those surveyed also acknowledged they knew someone who has been in possession of marijuana…:

Cut 14 (10)  “that they know someone”

The survey also shows that 68% of people support letting certain seriously ill patients use medical marijuana with a doctor’s prescription — up 3% from last year. Esman believes the numbers are rising because people are starting to realize Louisiana is so out of sync with the rest of the country on this issue…:

Cut 15  (11)   “thinking about it now“

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U-L Lafayette will look to snap a three game losing streak on Saturday when they return to Cajun Field to host Georgia State. It’s the Sun Belt opener for the Cajuns who haven’t won since beating Southern in the season opener. Coach Mark Hudspeth hopes the adversity his team has faced in September will help them in conference play

Cut 16  (22)   “somebody else”

The Cajuns beat Georgia State 35-21 last season. The Panthers were winless last season, but Hudspeth says they have a much better team this year

Cut 17  (16)   “ahead of us”

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True freshmen wearing purple and gold will play big roles in Saturday’s SEC tilt between 15th ranked LSU and fifth ranked Auburn. Wide receiver Malachi Dupre was playing for John Curtis High School last season, but is not surprised by the increased playing time as the season goes on

Cut 18 (11)  “to that statement”

In his last two games, Dupre has caught seven passes, three of them have been for touchdowns. The six-foot-three wideout from New Orleans believes he’s getting better every week

cut 19 (13)  “team win”

Safety Jamal Adams, running back Leonard Fournette and quarterback Brandon Harris are three other true freshman who will see significant playing time Saturday. Harris will make his first start and Dupre says Harris will be handle the big stage

Cut 20 (12) ” is presented”

The state’s annual survey of seat-belt use found that Louisiana motorists are buckling up at record high rates in 2014. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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A restaurant in Port Allen is getting national attention for a sign hanging up informing customers packing heat they get a 10 percent discount. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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A US Senate candidate forum takes place tonight in Kenner. Senator Mary Landrieu and republican candidate Rob Maness are expected to attend, but Congressman Bill Cassidy will reportedly not be there. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says forums like this and televised debates do matter for undecided voters

CUT 3 (08) “make a difference”

Dubos says candidates usually play it safe during debates and forums like tonight, but an election can be lost if a candidate commits a costly flub…

CUT 4 (11)  “make a difference”

Cassidy has been criticized for only participating in two televised debates and skipping out on many forums like tonight. Dubos says that could come back to hurt Cassidy….

CUT 5 (06) “could be the difference “

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The state’s annual survey of seat-belt use found that Louisiana motorists are buckling up at record high rates in 2014. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says over 84% of drivers and front-seat passengers were buckled up in 2014 which is up 1.6 percentage points from last year. LA Highway Safety Commission Executive Dir. John LeBlanc:

CUT 6 (09)  “information campaign”

LeBlanc says this survey proves that we are on the right track in the work that’s being done to save lives by increasing seat-belt use.

CUT 7 (11) “below the state level”

LeBlanc attributes much of the recent years’ improvements in seat-belt use to Click It or Ticket, a nationwide enforcement and public information campaign. He says state law says everyone in your car needs to be restrained and it’s one of the best ways to protect lives…:

CUT 8 (08) “remain safe”

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The Baton Rouge Police Department says the daughter and granddaughter of an elderly woman who was found dead Monday are under arrest for cruelty to the infirm. Corporal Don Copolla says officers were called to a residence where they discovered 82-year-old Bessie Looney dead and unclothed in her wheelchair…:

CUT 9 (05)  “total disgust”

Copolla says the victim was severely malnourished and had severely infected bed sores all over her body. He also says the condition of the residence was deplorable…:

CUT 10 (07)  “had occupied”

Coppola says detectives detained the victim’s daughter, 53-year-old Joleslie Looney, and her 17-year-old granddaughter, Lauren Looney. He says both admitted to being the main caregivers of the deceased and being aware of her condition but not seeking medical attention. Coppola says the suspects could face additional charges…:

CUT 11 (08) “a murder charge“

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A restaurant in Port Allen is getting national attention for a sign hanging up informing customers packing heat they get a 10 percent discount. The owner of Bergeron’s Restaurant, Kevin Cox, says he originally had a sign posted offering law enforcement officers a discount for eating there…:

CUT 12 (12) “in the program”

The sign says, “Thank you for carrying your gun today, 10% Discount.” Cox said the support he’s been hearing from people all over the country has been phenomenal…:

CUT 13 (12) “for doing that”

Cox says he’s always felt that his establishment is safer when people bring their guns inside. He says they’ve been so busy since word of the promotion got out that parking at his Highway 415 West Baton Rouge location has been a problem. Cox says he hasn’t heard a single negative thing about his gun toting discount program…:

cut 14 (08) “a little louder”

According to a study by the American Pet Products Association (or APPA), people are spending more money on their furry friends than ever before. Scott Carwile reports.

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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Louisiana State Police and the Department of Transportation announce the installation of several “Move Over for Emergency Vehicle” signs across the state. Eric Gill has more…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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The Louisiana Association of Educators has filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of using public school budget money to fund certain types of charter schools. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 3 (32) “reporting”

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According to a study by the American Pet Products Association (or APPA), people are spending more money on their furry friends than ever before. They estimate overall spending on pets for 2014 will reach $58 billion which is up almost 5 percent over last year. Louisiana SPCA spokeswoman Alicia Haefele (Hafe-A-Lee) isn’t surprised…:

Cut 4  (11)  “as family members”

Bob Vetere (Va-Teery) is the president and CEO of APPA. He says over the last several years they’ve seen people “humanizing” their pets and you can date it back to the recession times…:

Cut 5  (11)  “the family pet”

Vetere says people are thinking of their pets almost like they would a child and don’t think of rewarding “Sparky” in pet terms, but rather in human terms…:

Cut 6 (10)  “to go up”

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Louisiana State Police and the Department of Transportation announce the installation of several “Move Over for Emergency Vehicle” signs across the state. Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson says the signs are a reminder of the state’s “Move Over” law…

CUT 7 (11)  “the left side”

The “Move Over” law requires drivers, when approaching a stopped vehicle utitlizing warning lights, to change to a non-adjacent lane to the parked vehicle. If a lane change is not possible, you should slow down before passing the stopped vehicle. Edmonson says if someone is broken down on the side of the road, that person is owed certain amount of consideration…

Cut 8 (10)   “in that area”

More first responders are killed by traffic crashes than by any other line-of-duty cause. The “Move Over” law not only applies to first responders, but also to highway workers, tow truck operators, and any vehicle utilizing hazard lights. Edmonson says the signs are going up to bring awareness to the “Move Over” law and hopefully save lives…

Cut 9 (08)  “of the road” 

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The Louisiana Association of Educators has filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of using public school budget money to fund certain types of charter schools. $60 million from the budget, also known as the MFP, has been designated to fund those charter schools. LAE President Debbie Meaux says the Louisiana Constitution is clear on this issue…

Cut 10 (13)  “it provides for”

Education Superintendent John White says this lawsuit is a money grab for unions and school boards and an attempt to keep parents from choosing the school they think is best for their children. Meaux says the LAE is not against charter school education…

cut 11 (11)  “parish entities”

She says the charter schools in question are schools not controlled by city or parish school boards and, therefore, not eligible for funds from the public school budget. LAE successfully challenged the funding of voucher schools in 2012. Meaux is hopeful this lawsuit will produce similar results…

cut 12 (10)  “lawsuit upon”

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A federal judge receives an update today on progress abortion providers have made when it comes to obtaining privileges to admit patients at local hospitals. A state law requiring abortion doctors to have admitting privileges has been put on hold. Center for Reproductive Rights attorney, Janet Crepps, says the doctors they represent still have applications pending

Cut 13 (06)  “applications”

Louisiana’s new abortion restrictions law was set to go into effect September first, but a US judge in New Orleans blocked enforcement, so abortion clinic doctors can obtain privileges. Crepps says since the doctors they represent haven’t made any progress, she expects the judge will rule  legal abortions can continue….

Cut 14 (10)  “or February”

There’s five abortion clinics in the state, but Crepps says only one doctor in Shreveport has adequate admitting privileges. She doesn’t suspect hospitals are purposely dragging their feet when it comes to reviewing applications from the other doctors

Cut 15  (10)   “out of the ordinary”

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True freshman Brandon Harris is the new starting quarterback at LSU. Coach Les Miles says Harris deserves a chance to start this Saturday against fifth ranked Auburn after leading the Tigers on seven consecutive touchdown drives against New Mexico State on Saturday. Miles says Harris made quality decisions with the football and likes his ability to ad-lib

Cut 16  (12)   “can happen”

Harris will make his first collegiate start at Auburn and raucous crowd is expected for this SEC West clash. Miles expects Harris and the rest of the team to handle the hostile environment well

Cut 17  (11)   “will get that”

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Saints Coach Sean Payton says there needs to be a sense of urgency this week to correct the mistakes that has led to a 1-and-3 start. On Monday, Payton listed several reasons why the team has struggled. He says a negative turnover ratio of negative six, which is tied for worst in the NFL is near the top of the list

Cut 18 (20)  “to change”

One way to force turnovers is to put pressure on the quarterback. But in four games, the Saints only have five sacks. Payton says stopping opposing offenses from running the football and making them throw more can help improve their sack totals…

cut 19 (09)  “more challenge defensively”

A CNN poll on Louisiana’s US Senate race has Democrat Mary Landrieu as the leading vote getter in the primary, but three-percentage points behind republican Bill Cassidy in a runoff. Jeff Palermo has the story

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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State and local officials are expressing displeasure over the fact that rape victims are getting large hospital bills for treatment. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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A CNN poll on Louisiana’s US Senate race shows democratic incumbent Mary Landrieu winning the primary, but trailing by three-percentage points in a runoff with republican Congressman Bill Cassidy. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says this poll confirms what many analysts suspect

CUT 3 (12) “neck and neck”

Stockley says a closer look at the survey, which was conducted last week, also shows Landrieu will have to make sure registered democratic voters get to the polls and she needs more support from white voters

CUT 4 (08)  “that’s phenonmal”

Stockley says the poll shows Maness will take votes away from Cassidy on November fourth, but the US Representative from Baton Rouge should be pleased that the survey indicates he has a good shot at defeating Landrieu in the December runoff

CUT 5 (09) “President Obama”

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There is a group of Louisiana lawmakers and other state leaders expressing outrage about Louisiana hospitals charging rape victims for care. Among them is Slidell Representative Kevin Pearson. He says it’s completely wrong that women who have reported sexual assault are getting these massive hospital bills…:

CUT 6 (09)  “for the crimes”

A standard rape kit at a hospital has to be free under federal law, but they can still charge for HIV testing, pregnancy testing or medication that could prevent a rape victim from getting an STD. Pearson says it would be terrible if a woman didn’t report assault because she’s scared of the hospital bill…:

CUT 7 (07) “should provide”

Pearson believes part of the reason this is happening is because Louisiana privatized state hospitals which previously covered all medical expenses for rape victims. He says rape separates itself from other types of violent crimes because they so very often go unreported…:

CUT 8 (14) “from the hospital for”

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Louisiana State Police report that two people were killed, including a Fort Polk soldier, in a fiery single vehicle accident in Vernon Parish. Trooper Scott Moreau says the crash occurred near US Highway 171 early Sunday morning…

CUT 9 (08)  “really, really bad”

He says the vehicle burst into flames upon impact. The passenger of the vehicle has not been identified at this time due to the severity of the burns incurred. Moreau says they have identified the driver…

CUT 10 (08)  “at Fort Polk”

The identity of the driver will not be released until notification of next of kin, but Moreau says he was a soldier at Fort Polk. He says authorities are working diligently to find out what exactly happened…

CUT 11 (08) “about the crash“

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State Police say a 38-year-old passenger from DeRidder is dead after a 13-year-old driver hit a cow. Sgt James Anderson says troopers responded to a crash on Highway 112 about 10 miles east of DeRidder last night around 9:20pm…:

CUT 12 (13) “as a result of the crash”

Anderson says the victim is identified as 38-year-old Jason Mitchell Brooks and he was pronounced dead at the scene. He says there was another 16-year-old passenger in the vehicle and nobody was buckled up. Anderson says the reason the 13-year-old was driving is still under investigation…:

CUT 13 (10) “vehicle you’re in”

Anderson says impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash and the condition of the cow is not known at this time. He says this incident is under investigation…:

cut 14 (07) “of travel”