Former Senate hopeful Republican Paul Hollis has filed a lawsuit against Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu claiming she cannot represent Louisiana because she does not live in the state. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

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The Division of Administration announces that in the first two months of the fiscal year, a newly created state office has already saved the state more than 5-million dollars. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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A federal judge issued a ruling that Louisiana doctors can continue to perform abortions while they seek newly-mandated admitting privileges from hospitals. Michelle Southern gets reaction…:

Cut 3 (34) “reporting”

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Attorney General Buddy Caldwell says a guide with information about how to avoid fraud that targets the elderly is now available. AG office spokesperson Amanda Larkins says research shows that Americans aged 65 and older are the prime targets of scams and receive more mail and telephone solicitations than anyone…:

Cut 4  (10)  “of scams”

Larkins says the guide is 40 pages and talks about scams from telemarketers, mortgage lenders, contractors and fake charities..:

Cut 5  (06)  “on senior citizens”

Larkins says education is the best way to protect yourself from becoming a victim of scams. She says the guide is currently being distributed at councils on aging, sheriffs’ offices and senior centers across Louisiana…:

Cut 6 (09)  “.com”

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Former Senate hopeful Republican Paul Hollis has filed a lawsuit against Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu claiming she cannot represent Louisiana because she does not live in the state. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says this merely is a political ploy to detract from the senator’s re-election campaign…

CUT 7 (12) “Louisiana resident”

The US Constitution states that in order to qualify you have to be a registered voter in the state where you are running and an “inhabitant” of that state. The Secretary of State’s office says Landrieu is a registered Louisiana voter. Stockley doesn’t think the lawsuit will have any long-term effect on Landrieu’s campaign, but feels it can be a temporary issue…

CUT 8 (11)   “Louisiana resident”

Hollis dropped out of the race and threw his support to Republican Representative Bill Cassidy. He filed the lawsuit Friday. Stockley says this lawsuit has no impact to Hollis, himself…

CUT 9 (05)  “Senator Landrieu”

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The Division of Administration announces that in the first two months of the fiscal year, a newly created state office has already saved the state more than 5-million dollars. Asst. Director of Technology Services Neal Underwood says the Office of Technology Services brings in all the IT staff from executive branch departments to streamline support and operations…

cut 10 (07)  “drives down costs”

Underwood says previously all departments had their own IT staffs and did their own purchasing for those departments. He says putting all of this under one department, they can make larger purchases driving the cost down…

cut 11 (06)  “save the money” 

He says it’s expected the Office of Technology Services will save the state around $25 million by the end of the fiscal year. Underwood says the savings can be reallocated to other state services…

cut 12 (04) “the citizens”

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The law that would require abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at hospitals went into effect yesterday, but a Louisiana judge rules officials can not enforce it yet. Abortion doctors who have started the application process can not be penalized under the order. Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director Benjamin Clapper feels it’s a fair ruling…:

Cut 13 (10)  “pending applications”

The law was passed by the state legislature in the last session. Center for Reproductive Rights Senior Council Janet Crepps says they applaud the decision by the judge…:

Cut 14 (09)  “to abortion”

Crepps says politicians should not be lying about their motives with House Bill 388 which they say would have forced abortion clinics in Louisiana to close this week if it was enforced. She says not only is the law medically unnecessary it’s also harmful to women and they want to see it struck down in its entirety…:

Cut 15  (08)   “in Louisiana”

The measure mandates abortion doctors must be able to admit a patient into a hospital within 30 minutes should an emergency take place. Clapper says the judges ruling is a step in the right direction to protecting the health of women…:

Cut 16  (14)   “a due process”

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LSU running back Kenny Hilliard was one of the offensive stars in the Tigers come from behind win over Wisconsin on Saturday night. Hilliard rushed for 110 yards and one touchdown and the senior from Patterson says if he continues to take care of his body, he’ll have more games like that…

Cut 17  (10)   “for his team”

Senior Linebacker DJ Welter says Saturday’s win was a good learning experience as they get ready for their next opponent, Sam Houston State…

Cut 18 (14)  “on track”

The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the job outlook in Sportsman’s Paradise is giving us a lot to celebrate on this Labor Day. Jeff Palermo reports on the state of labor…:

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

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If you are planning a Labor Day cookout, don’t expect to find any real bargains on burgers or steak this holiday. Scott Carwile has more…

Cut 2 (31) “reporting”

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The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the job outlook in Sportsman’s Paradise is giving us a lot to celebrate on this Labor Day. According to LWC Executive Director Curt Eysink, the labor force in Louisiana is stronger now than ever before…:

Cut 3 (09) “really bright future”

Eysink says it’s great that we’ve got government agencies, education leaders on every level and business and industry at the table to figure out how to make Louisiana’s workforce better into the future. He says wages have been growing as fast as the economy here…:

Cut 4  (05)  “than it’s ever been”

Eysink says private sector job growth in Louisiana has increased every month for about the last four years. He says more than 2 million Louisianians are working today which is an all time high…:

Cut 5  (11)  “of our labor markets”

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As we approach the halfway point in this year’s Atlantic Hurricane Season, there have been only three named storms, none of which have threatened the Gulf Coast. State Climatologist Barry Keim says historically the number of hurricanes from this point forward in the season is about six…

Cut 6 (07)  “below normal overall”

Keim says there is a high probability we’ll see less than that this year. He says the reasons for the reduction are sea surface temperatures being below normal and wind shear is running pretty high…

CUT 7 (11) “are also reduced”

Keim thinks four, maybe five, storms may form during the remainder of this season. He says this is no reason to let your guard down because it only takes one hurricane to, potentially, turn your life upside down…

CUT 8 (11)   “Hurricane Andrew”

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If you are planning a Labor Day cookout, don’t expect to find any real bargains on burgers or steak this holiday. Increased beef prices are due to a shortage of cows in the country. LSU AgCenter Extension Economist Ross Pruitt says consumers won’t get much of a break in beef prices…

CUT 9 (10)  “month of July”

He says beef production continues to fall in the United States. He says production is almost six-percent lower than this time last year. Pruitt says more price increases are on the horizon…

cut 10 (11)  “just yet”

Pruitt says consumer beef prices will continue to rise through the rest of this year. He says you shouldn’t be afraid to shop around to find the best deal…

cut 11 (12)  “grocery level” 

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The 2014 college football season is off to a thrilling start for the LSU Tigers. The Bayou Bengals rallied back from a 17-point third quarter deficit to beat Wisconsin 28-24. Associate Head Coach and running backs coach Frank Wilson says it was a great character win…

cut 12 (11) “times than not”

LSU’s offense didn’t do much in the first half, but by the end of the third quarter they were unstoppable. Wilson says some blocking adjustments on the the offensive line helped…

Cut 13 (10)  “frequently”

As expected Anthony Jennings started at quarterback and played most of the game. He had a couple of shaky moments, but ended up throwing for 239 yards and two touchdowns. Wilson says the coaching staff is pleased with how the sophomore played..

Cut 14 (11)  “the ball”

Today marks the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina making landfall in Louisiana.  Even after nine years, memories are still fresh and recovery continues.  Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

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A federal judge is expected to rule today on a new law that critics of the legislation say will force Louisiana’s five abortion clinics to close. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 Audio (30) “reporting”

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Fans are rushing in to get their purple and gold gear for the big LSU game tomorrow. Scott Carwile reports.

Cut 3 Audio  (30) “reporting”

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Today marks the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina making landfall in Louisiana.  Even after nine years, memories are still fresh and recovery continues.  Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Kevin Davis, says the state has made great strides in hurricane preparedness since Katrina…

Cut 4  (14)  “nine years later”

Davis was President of St. Tammany Parish when Katrina hit.  He says he feels the people of Louisiana have learned quite a bit about hurricane preparedness as a result of Katrina.  Davis is very confident on the local and statewide level that officials are prepared for any type of disaster…

Cut 5  (10)  “be better prepared”

Davis says recovery after a storm is always difficult because every community is different.  But he thinks the knowledge gained after Hurricane Katrina will benefit Louisiana for years to come…

Cut 6 (12)  “a faster recovery”

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The South Plaquemines High School student who was suspended because of his religiously mandated hairstyle, has been allowed to return to class. The student is a follower of the Rastafarian religion and is required not to cut his hair. ACLU-LA Executive Director Marjorie Esman says school policy is that boy’s hair cannot extend past the collar…

CUT 7 (10) “pinned up”

The school has allowed the student to attend class with his dreadlocks pinned up. Esman says other issues related to the suspension are still being worked out, like the school’s responsibility to help the student catch up with missed schoolwork…

CUT 8 (10)   “all along”

Esman says it’s unfortunate that there doesn’t seem to be enough recognition of the rights of members of minority faiths. She says the US Constitution is very clear on this issue…

CUT 9 (13)  “the first place”

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Tomorrow is LSU’s first game of the season so it’s crunch time for Tiger Fans to get geared up in their purple and gold! Jennifer Feduccia is the owner of a LSU fan shop called Holiday Hallmark in Baton Rouge. She says they’ve seen a huge influx in LSU women’s apparel that is flying off the shelves…:

cut 10 (12)  “look good at the game”

LSU introduced a new logo this season and basically said goodbye, officially, to the old Tiger logo that was extremely unpopular with fans. Feduccia says her customers are EXTREMELY glad to see “Toonces” go…:

cut 11 (13)  “that everbody seems to like” 

Feduccia says fans have been coming in and out all week to get their favorite shirt that will be “THE” lucky shirt they wear for the 2014 season. She says one of their new items that fans are literally eating up is the LSU “fan pan”…:

cut 12 (09) “of a Fleur De Lis”

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Two Louisiana teams begin the college football season tomorrow against Top 25 opponents. The 13th ranked Tigers will face 14th ranked Wisconsin at a neutral site in Houston. LSU Coach Les Miles says the plan is to play two quarterbacks, Brandon Harris and Anthony Jennings, but that could change depending how the game goes

Cut 13 (10)  “right there”

Louisiana Tech is also facing a Top 25 team as the Bulldogs will visit third ranked Oklahoma tomorrow night. The game is listed as a sell-out in Norman, Oklahoma and Bulldogs wide receiver Paul Turner says staying focus is the key when playing in front of 82-thousand fans

Cut 14 (16)  “put in place”

A big crowd is expected at the newly refurbished Cajun field for Saturday night’s game between UL Lafayette and the Southern Jaguars. Ragin Cajuns Coach Mark Hudspeth says the Jaguars return a lot of key pieces from a team that won the SWAC last year

Cut 15  (10)   “best shot”

The defending the Southland Conference champion Southeastern Louisiana Lions kickoff the 2014 season by hosting Jacksonville on Saturday night in Strawberry Stadium. The Lions are coming off an 11-and-3 season and their first playoff appearance on the F-C-S level. Coach Ron Roberts to get back to the playoffs they need to start the year with a victory

Cut 16  (23)   “the road”

Chlorine levels have been increased in the water system in St. John the Baptist Parish after testing discovered a deadly brain-eating amoeba in the drinking water. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

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Disturbing accusations are coming out about a Baton Rouge TV personality who was shot dead yesterday by his producer who then turned the gun on himself. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (36) “reporting”

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Officials in St. John the Baptist Parish are increasing the chlorine levels in their water system after test results confirmed the presence of a deadly brain-eating amoeba. State health officer, Doctor Jimmy Guidry, says the department of health and hospitals has issued an emergency order to perform a chlorine burn throughout the water system to kill the amoeba…

CUT 3 (10) “the nose”

This brain-eating amoeba was previously detected in St. Bernard and DeSoto parishes and its killed three people in Louisiana since 2011, and in all three cases, it was from tap water getting up the victims’ nose. Guidry says Louisiana is the only state in the nation that’s conducting tests for amoebas….

CUT 4 (06)  “they need”

Guidry says they’ve learned the deadly amoeba can get into a water system when the weather is hot and there’s not enough chlorine to burn it off….
(Officials add the water is safe to drink and to cook with, but the public should avoid tap water going up their nose.)

CUT 5 (08) “per liter”

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

Troubling allegations are coming out about a Baton Rouge TV personality who was fatally shot yesterday allegedly by his producer who then turned the gun on himself. The news of Scott Rogers death shocked people who admired him. But this morning on The Jim Engster Show, nameless victims came forward and claimed Rogers had been physically and sexually abusing them since they were children…:

CUT 6 (10)  “when I was *sigh* 13”

A second victim claimed he contacted federal authorities to tell his story in America when he learned Rogers adopted two young children. Rogers had been the subject of a federal grand jury and was being investigated for allegedly lying on citizenship documents about prior arrests. The anonymous man described Rogers as a master manipulator monster…:

CUT 7 (09) “that you could imagine”

Rogers was reportedly booked on child molestation charges in the UK, but never disclosed that information when he came to America which is why the feds were asking questions. Victim #2 said Rogers fostered and adopted the children he abused and tortured…:(The alleged gunman, Mathew Hodgkins, is in critical condition.)

CUT 8 (10) “very violent”

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An investigation is underway into a fatal shooting involving a Livingston Parish Sheriff’s deputy. Sheriff Jason Ard says his deputies encountered a suicidal man at a home in the Albany area yesterday and lethal force was required…

CUT 9 (09)  “our deputies”

Ard says 48-year-old Freddie Leblanc was armed when deputies responded to a call of an attempted suicide. The sheriff says despite repeated demands, the subject refused to drop his weapon and Leblanc eventually pointed his gun at the officers

CUT 10 (05) “by the deputies”

The Livingston Parish Coroner’s office pronounced Leblanc dead the scene. Ard says State Police is assisting in the investigation

CUT 11 (10) “right now”

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The family of a 22-year-old New Iberia man who sustained a fatal gunshot wound while in police custody is asking the US Justice Department to investigate the circumstances of his death. The Iberia Parish coroner has ruled Victor White III’s death to be a suicide. But Monroe lawyer Carol Powell-Lexing says how could White shoot himself while he’s handcuffed

CUT 12 (08) “front chest”

Powell-Lexing has been hired by White’s family to represent them. White says people who knew White are skeptical that he decided to end his life after he was arrested on drug charges

CUT 13 (08) “or anything”

The shooting happened in March and a full summary of the autopsy was released this week by the Iberia Parish coroner. State Police’s investigation is still ongoing, but Powell-Lexing says an independent autopsy is likely needed…

cut 14 (07) “….autopsy went”

The American Automobile Association says more people are traveling for the Labor Day Holiday than since the recession. Scott Carwile has that…:

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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Louisiana Public Broadcasting will air a special tonight about the life of LSU’s Leonard Fournette, one of the nation’s most heavily recruited football prospects out of St. Aug. Jeff Palermo has that.:

Cut 2 Audio (30) “reporting”

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Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says tourism is encouraging for 2014 following last year’s record setting year. Eric Gill has more…

Cut 3 Audio  (32) “reporting”

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The American Automobile Association says more people are traveling for the Labor Day Holiday than since the recession. AAA spokesman Don Redman says 34.7 million people are projected to journey 50 miles or more from home this holiday weekend…:

Cut 4  (10)  “great recession”

Redman says nearly 86 percent of travelers will celebrate the holiday with a final summer road trip. The Labor Day Holiday travel period is defined as Thursday August 28th to Monday September 1st. Redman says another significant bullet point from the 2014 Labor Day Travel Forecast is that more people are using the credit cards for the trip…:

Cut 5  (08)  “start assuming debt”

Redman says automobile travel will increase by 1.4 percent this year with 29.7 million travelers hitting the road. He says another boost to the travelers confidence is likely related to the low price at the pump…:

Cut 6 (06)  “this time last year”

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Louisiana Public Broadcasting will air a special tonight about the life of LSU’s Leonard Fournette, one of the nation’s most heavily recruited football prospects out of St. Aug. “Road to Stardom: The Leonard Fournette Story” is produced and directed by Kenny Chenier (Shin-Yay). He says the program documents Fournette’s early days growing up in the 7th Ward of New Orleans…:

CUT 7 (15) “football game”

Chenier says it’s very obvious to most people what Fournette is capable of on the football field, but the Tiger running back is so much more — inside and out…:

CUT 8 (10)   “that I’ve ever seen”

LSU Coach Les Miles has used Michael Jordan’s name when describing Fournette’s desire to be great. Chenier says they interview Miles in the documentary and also LSU recruiting coordinator and running back coach Frank Wilson…:

CUT 9 (08)  “and the person”

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The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals allocates 18-million dollars to a Baton Rouge Hospital to keep its emergency room open.  Baton Rouge General decided to close their Mid-City ER because they were losing money providing health care to an increasing number of uninsured patients.  But DHH Chief of Staff Calder Lynch says this commitment should meet the ER’s needs for the current fiscal year…

cut 10 (08)  “maintain that facility”

Baton Rouge General says the increase in uninsured patients is due, in part, to the closure of LSU’s Earl K. Long Medical Center.  Democratic legislators said earlier this year that the Mid-City emergency room would close due to Governor Jindal and Republican leaders blocking Medicaid expansion.  Lynch says this is not the case…

cut 11 (10)  “wasn’t that solution” 

Lynch says the funding comes from both state and federal sources and should not effect any other hospitals in the state.  Lynch says the DHH needs to find a sustainable solution to help emergency rooms across the state…

cut 12 (10) “for individuals”

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Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says tourism is encouraging for 2014 following last year’s record setting year. Over 27 million people visited Louisiana in 2013, a nearly 4-percent increase from 2012. Dardenne says international travel to Louisiana was up 18-percent last year, which is the largest percentage increase in the country…

Cut 13 (10)  “of the state”

Domestic and international visitors spent nearly 11-billion dollars in the state last year. Dardenne says there are no hard numbers available for 2014, as of yet. But he says the LouisianaTravel-dot-com website and their social media activity has been ranked number four among all tourism sites in the US…

Cut 14 (11)  “in the nation”

The top three leisure travel activities for Louisiana domestic travelers are visiting friends and relatives, shopping, and fine dining. Dardenne says his office will continue to work on enticing people to come visit the Bayou State. He says an upcoming article in the next issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine will help…

Cut 15  (09)   “in Louisiana”

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The ULM Warhawks kick-off their 2014 season tonight hosting Wake Forest in a nationally televised game on ESPNU. Head coach Todd Berry says this is a rare opportunity for the Warhawks to play in front of the home fans early in the season. Berry is hopeful tonight’s crowd is rowdy…

Cut 16  (12)   “going on”

During “Camo Out Night” at Malone Stadium, Duck Dynasty star Willie Robertson will toss the coin and a segment of the show will be filmed. Pete Thomas will start at quarterback for the Warhawks. Thomas transferred from North Carolina State where he started six games last season. Although he’s working with a different system, Berry says Thomas is comfortable with the offense…

Cut 17  (20)   “situation that we’re in”

Kick-off is scheduled for 6PM. Wake Forest comes to Monroe with a new coach, a true freshman quarterback, and new starters at several key positions. Berry says with a wide variety of unknowns about the Demon Deacons, the Warhawks are focused on being ready for anything…

Cut 18 (21)  “team to adjust”

###Changes have been made to the story out of Natchitoches Central High. We now

know the identity of the suspect.####

More details are coming out about the death of a Natchitoches Central High student, who passed away from injuries he sustained during a fight at school. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says they have some serious problems with a swamp tour operation out of Hammond. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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Natchitoches Central High Principal Bill Gordy says it was a random act of violence that led to the death of 18-year-old Johnquaries Smith. Smith died yesterday from the head injury he sustained during a fight with another student at school. Gordy says the two students had no interaction prior to their altercation…:

CUT 3 (07) “hit him”

The 16-year-old who punched Smith has been charged with manslaughter. He’s been identified as Timothy Ray Robinson and prosecutors reportedly plan to try him as an adult. Gordy says they don’t know much about him, because he just started at N-C-H-S…

CUT 4 (03)  “much background”

Gordy describes Smith as a nice young man, who he spoke to frequently….

CUT 5 (09) “Johnquaries”

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

There are many questions surrounding the case of the handcuffed New Iberia man who is said to have fatally shot himself  in the back of a police car. The Iberia Parish Coroner ruled Victor White III shot himself in the chest. UL-Lafayette Anthropology Professor Maranda Kles is a former Florida homicide investigator. She says, while rare, a handcuffed suicide is possible…:

CUT 6 (09)  “very twisted around”

Other experts have speculated cops missed the gun during a search of White which is why it was in the car with the man in custody. Kles says coroners rule deaths like this as suicides when there was clear intention a person wanted to end their life on purpose…:

CUT 7 (08) “rule this way”

The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office and State Police have not released many other details during the ongoing investigation into White’s death. Kles says we do know White was intoxicated at the time of his arrest and tested positive for marijuana:

CUT 8 (07) “thought process”

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The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says they have some serious problems with a swamp tour operation in Hammond. PETA’s Brittany Peet says they received complaints from a visitor to Harvey Kliebert’s Turtle & Alligator Farm & Tours. She says the animals there are living in deplorable conditions…:

CUT 9 (10)  “and for space”

Peet says reptiles are rarely seen suffering in the wild but when they are held in captivity it can take years for them to die from stress, malnutrition and infection. She also says they have a problem with Kliebert putting their employees at risk…:

(Kliebert’s has yet to respond to our request for comment. )

CUT 10 (12) “for these tours”

Peet says they’ve filed a complaint with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration to investigate reports of employees being required to taunt the animals. She says they’ve also filed a complaint with Child Protective Services regarding the manager’s 6-year-old son who is allowed to wrangle alligators…:

CUT 11 (12) “reckless conduct“

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Governor Jindal has filed a lawsuit against the federal government alleging  the Obama administration violated the Constitution by using federal grant money to force states to adopt the Common Core education standards. Jindal says Common Core is the latest effort by the feds to have Washington D-C in control of everything

CUT 12 (04) “our schools”

The audio is from a recent PSA from the governor, calling for the public’s help in his effort to stop Common Core. Jindal says the Constitution and federal laws leave it up to the states to control education content, but through Common Core the federal government can dictate curriculum….

CUT 13 (07) “health care”

Jindal, a one-time supporter of Common Core, has taken steps this year to keep the new math and english standards out of Louisiana. US Education Secretary Arne Duncan has said Jindal’s actions are about politics, not education. Jindal says Common Core has turned into a scheme by the federal government to nationalize curriculum

cut 14 (02) “….our schools”

More details are coming out about the death of a Natchitoches Central High student, who passed away from injuries he sustained during a fight at school. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says they have some serious problems with a swamp tour operation out of Hammond. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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

Natchitoches Central High Principal Bill Gordy says it was a random act of violence that led to the death of 18-year-old Johnquaries Smith. Smith died yesterday from the head injury he sustained during a fight with another student at school. Gordy says the two students had no interaction prior to their altercation…:

CUT 3 (07) “hit him”

The 16-year-old who punched Smith has been charged with manslaughter. His name will not be released, because he is a juvenile and Gordy says they don’t know much about him, because he just started at N-C-H-S…

CUT 4 (10) “or an adult”

Gordy describes Smith as a nice young man, who he spoke to frequently….

CUT 5 (09) “Johnquaries”

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

There are many questions surrounding the case of the handcuffed New Iberia man who is said to have fatally shot himself  in the back of a police car. The Iberia Parish Coroner ruled Victor White III shot himself in the chest. UL-Lafayette Anthropology Professor Maranda Kles is a former Florida homicide investigator. She says, while rare, a handcuffed suicide is possible…:

CUT 6 (09)  “very twisted around”

Other experts have speculated cops missed the gun during a search of White which is why it was in the car with the man in custody. Kles says coroners rule deaths like this as suicides when there was clear intention a person wanted to end their life on purpose…:

CUT 7 (08) “rule this way”

The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office and State Police have not released many other details during the ongoing investigation into White’s death. Kles says we do know White was intoxicated at the time of his arrest and tested positive for marijuana:

CUT 8 (07) “thought process”

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

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says they have some serious problems with a swamp tour operation in Hammond. PETA’s Brittany Peet says they received complaints from a visitor to Harvey Kliebert’s Turtle & Alligator Farm & Tours. She says the animals there are living in deplorable conditions…:

CUT 9 (10)  “and for space”

Peet says reptiles are rarely seen suffering in the wild but when they are held in captivity it can take years for them to die from stress, malnutrition and infection. She also says they have a problem with Kliebert putting their employees at risk…:

(Kliebert’s has yet to respond to our request for comment. )

CUT 10 (12) “for these tours”

Peet says they’ve filed a complaint with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration to investigate reports of employees being required to taunt the animals. She says they’ve also filed a complaint with Child Protective Services regarding the manager’s 6-year-old son who is allowed to wrangle alligators…:

CUT 11 (12) “reckless conduct”

___________________________________________________

Governor Jindal has filed a lawsuit against the federal government alleging  the Obama administration violated the Constitution by using federal grant money to force states to adopt the Common Core education standards. Jindal says Common Core is the latest effort by the feds to have Washington D-C in control of everything

CUT 12 (04) “our schools”

The audio is from a recent PSA from the governor, calling for the public’s help in his effort to stop Common Core. Jindal says the Constitution and federal laws leave it up to the states to control education content, but through Common Core the federal government can dictate curriculum….

CUT 13 (07) “health care”

Jindal, a one-time supporter of Common Core, has taken steps this year to keep the new math and english standards out of Louisiana. US Education Secretary Arne Duncan has said Jindal’s actions are about politics, not education. Jindal says Common Core has turned into a scheme by the federal government to nationalize curriculum

cut 14 (02) “….our schools”

The American Heart Association has released a statement saying the use of electronic cigarettes may help some people quit smoking. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

______________________________________

The Department of Children and Family Services says they’ve collected more than $2 million dollars in casino winnings from deadbeat parents. Jeff Palermo has that…:

Cut 2 Audio (32) “reporting”

______________________________________

An 18-year-old Natchitoches Central High School student has died as a result of injuries sustained after an altercation with another student during school. Eric Gill has the story…

Cut 3 Audio  (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

The American Heart Association has released a statement saying the use of electronic cigarettes may help some people quit smoking. The recommendation is for the use of e-cigarettes as a last resort with several notes of caution. Associate Dean for Research at LSU, Dr. Ed Trapido, says he’ll go along with that for now…

Cut 4  (09)  “that statement”

The recommendation was written by a group of scientists, physicians, and researchers after studying the latest information available on e-cigarettes. It’s emphasized that e-cigarettes should be used as a last resort to help quit smoking. Trapido says there are several proven cessation methods that one should try first…

Cut 5  (13)  “cigarette dependence”

The group’s statement admits that much more research needs to be done as there is a lack of knowledge on the long-term health impact of e-cigarettes. Although he agrees with the AHA statement, Trapido says there is concern in the public health community…

Cut 6 (08)  “evidence to that”

______________________________________

The Department of Children and Family Services says they’ve collected more than $2 million dollars in casino winnings from parents who owe back child support. Deputy Assistant Secretary Lisa Andry says this is a huge milestone for the Casino Intercept Program which launched in September 2011…:

CUT 7 (10) “good thing”

Andry says each collection made, whether large or small, is proof that this program is an essential tool for collecting what is owed to Louisiana’s children…:

CUT 8 (06)   “very long time”

Andry says a total of 2 million fifty two thousand dollars was taken from 1,526 non-custodial parents who owed back child support. She says when someone wins over 1200, the casino has to cross check the winner with people who owe money in the DCFS database…:

CUT 9 (05)  “at that time”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Attorney General’s office says a Marrero woman faces more than 200 years in prison on charges related to child sex trafficking. 38-year-old Candice Caulfield was arrested on several charges including trafficking of children for sexual purposes and enticing persons into prostitution. Spokesman David Ferris says the AG’s office is hub for the Internet Crimes Against Children’s Taskforce…

cut 10 (11)  “trafficking, as well”

The investigation into Caulfield began after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Ferris says “NiCMEC” is kind of the 9-1-1 for the internet…

cut 11 (09)  “to NiCMEC” 

Caulfield, who also goes by the alias Candye Perrin, was booked into the Jefferson Parish Prison. Ferris says when most people think of human trafficking, they think of it only happening in a third-world country outside of the United States. He says the reality is that it’s also happening right underneath our noses…

cut 12 (11) “advantage of them”

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The 18-year-old Natchitoches Central High School student who was involved in an altercation with another student at school has died as a result of injuries he sustained. Johnquaries (john-kware-e-us) Smith passed away Tuesday morning. Natchitoches Police Captain Brad Walker says the incident happened Monday afternoon…

Cut 13 (08)  “him his life”

He says Smith was punched by a 16-year-old male and hit his head on the concrete suffering injuries which ultimately cost him his life. Walker says rumors that this was a gang fight are not true. In fact, he says it wasn’t a fight at all…

Cut 14 (07)  “of course, was not”

He says they’ve classified the incident as a battery that has unfortunately turned into a homicide. Walker says the suspect was originally booked into the Ware Detention Center on second degree battery charges…(The suspect will now be charged with manslaughter in this case.)

Cut 15  (07)   “with manslaughter”

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The Saints roster now stands at 75 after cutting eight players yesterday. The most high profile cut was linebacker Victor Butler. The former Dallas Cowboy was signed in 2013 by the Saints to be a starter, but he never played because of two separate injuries. Coach Sean Payton says its an unfortunate situation

Cut 16  (14)   “foot forward”

The Saints final preseason game is Thursday night at home against Baltimore. Several jobs are on the line, including at kicker, where Derek Dimke and Shayne Graham have been battling. Payton says it’s a tough choice, because both are good enough to kick in the NFL…

Cut 17  (15)   “made a decision”

There’s also been a position battle for starting center between Jonathan Goodwin and Tim Lelito. Based on playing time in the last preseason game, it appears Goodwin will be the starting center, but Payton is not ready to make that announcement

Cut 18 (16)  “position flexibility”

According to the personal finance magazine Kiplinger, Louisiana is the third most tax friendly state in the nation. Michelle Southern has that…:

CUT 1 (34) “reporting”

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

The Slidell Police Department says a man who was desperate to pay his probation fees allegedly robbed a woman and baby of a diaper bag. Michelle Southern has that…:

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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

According to the personal finance magazine Kiplinger, Louisiana is the third most tax friendly state in the nation. Senior Associate Editor Sandy Block says their rankings were based on rates for income, sales and gas taxes. She says a big boost for Louisiana is the fact that we have the lowest property taxes in the nation…:

CUT 3 (08) “in Louisiana”

Block says property in Louisiana is assessed at 10 percent of its fair market value. She also says our gas tax is well below average at 20 cents a gallon. Block says as a result, Louisiana is a very tax friendly place for retirees…:

CUT 4 (09) “those counts too”

Block says the most tax friendly state is Delaware followed by Wyoming, then Mississippi and Alabama are ranked just below Louisiana. She says they have a tax map tool on their website, kiplinger.com, to help people make the most financially sound decision when considering a move to another state…:

CUT 5 (06) “and local taxes”

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

The Houma Police Department is the latest law enforcement agency in Louisiana that will use body cameras. Chief Todd Duplantis says the Terrebonne Parish Council has purchased 84 cameras that will be equipped to an officers’ uniform. He says it should be a great benefit to their department

CUT 6 (11)  “from officers”

Duplantis says with the body cameras, any interaction between a police officer and the public will be videoed, which should lead to a reduction in citizen and use of force complaints

CUT 7 (08) “what happened”

Duplantis says the video will also help prosecutors when a criminal case goes before a judge or jury

CUT 8 (10) “..what happened”

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

A disorganized area of thunderstorms in the northern Gulf of Mexico has the attention of the National Hurricane Center. Donald Jones, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says the weak cluster of thunderstorm activity is associated with a weak frontal boundary

CUT 9 (11)  “minimal”

Jones says there’s a low chance this disturbed area will grow into a tropical storm, but it will produce showers and thunderstorms for areas in south Louisiana…

CUT 10 (06) “for the weekend”

Jones says it’s unlikely we’ll see a tropical storm develop from this area of thunderstorms

CUT 11 (03) “five days“

___________________________________

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is the father of a new baby girl. Brees says his wife Brittany gave birth their fourth child and their first girl last night. He says mom and child are doing just fine…

CUT 12 (10) “for ever”

The family’s first girl will be little sister to brothers Baylen, Bowen, and Callen. Brees says the entire family is excited…

CUT 13 (13) “got their wish”

Brees is holding off on announcing the girl’s name until its on the birth certificate. And he believes this will be the last addition to their immediate family

cut 14 (10) “(laughter)”

The ACLU of Louisiana says South Plaquemines High School administrators are violating the constitutional right of a student who they’ve suspended for having religiously mandated dreadlocks. Michelle Southern has that…:

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

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Council for A Better Louisiana is partnering with Louisiana Public Broadcasting to present a US Senate debate on October 14th.  Scott Carwile has more…

Cut 2 Audio (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

A fight at Natchitoches Central High School sends an 18-year-old student to the hospital with serious injuries and leads to the arrest of another student. Jeff Palermo has the details…

Cut 3 Audio  (29) “reporting”

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The ACLU of Louisiana has sent a letter to the Plaquemines Parish School Board and South Plaquemines High School administrators regarding a student who has been suspected because of his hairstyle. The student is Rastafari and ACLU-LA Executive Director Marjorie Esman says his long dreadlocks are religiously mandated…:

Cut 4  (12)  “with his religious faith”

Esman says the student is not new to the school but last year his parents were unaware of the right he has to keep his hair the way his religion mandates…:

Cut 5  (12)  “right now”

Esman says they are seeking an expedited hearing before the full school board very quickly with the expectation that they will do the right thing…:(Calls to the school board were not returned.)

Cut 6 (05)  “with his religious faith”

______________________________________

State Representative Jeff Thompson of Bossier City will leave the state legislature to become a district judge. Thompson qualified unopposed to fill the judgeship left vacant by the retiring Ford Stinson. He says his time in the State House was a great opportunity to help craft some meaningful legislation for the state…

CUT 7 (08) “January the first”

Thompson will preside in the 26th Judicial District Court of Bossier and Webster Parishes in northwestern Louisiana. He will be sworn in on January 1st. Thompson says a unique opportunity presented itself this year with two judges in the district retiring…

CUT 8 (12)   “to serve here”

During his time in the legislature, Thompson was a proponent for Second Amendment rights. He founded the gun rights group, Defend Louisiana. Thompson is confident the state legislature will continue to defend the right to bear arms…

CUT 9 (11)  “our own families”

______________________________________

The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 20-year-old LaPlace man on charges of aggravated rape, aggravated kidnapping, and armed robbery. Captain Pat Yoes says the victim was walking in New Orleans when a vehicle stopped beside her and two subjects exited the vehicle…

cut 10 (10)  “she was raped”

Yoes says the subjects took the victim from there to St. John Parish and into St. Charles Parish, where she was raped. The victim was dropped off in Kenner where she flagged down someone to notify the Sheriff’s Office. Yoes says it took investigators a little time to figure out where the incident occurred…

cut 11 (09)  “in the investigation” 

He says the victim was able to pick out Kevin Allen in a photographic lineup. The subjects also allegedly robbed the victim. Yoes says Allen was arrested by the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office…(Yoes says the investigation is continuing and additional arrests are expected.)

cut 12 (08) “additional arrests”

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Council for A Better Louisiana is partnering with Louisiana Public Broadcasting to present a US Senate debate on October 14th. Incumbent Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu and Republican challengers Bill Cassidy and Rob Maness will all participate. CABL President Barry Erwin says this race is hugely important for the state…

Cut 13 (09)  “candidates stand”

The debate will take place at Centenary College in Shreveport beginning at 7PM. It will be broadcast statewide on LPB television stations. Erwin says there are still working on the format of the debate, but there shouldn’t be a shortage of topics…

Cut 14 (13)  “affect us here”

Erwin says there are several pressing issues important to the state tied to this election. He says it’s important nationally because, potentially, the balance of power in the Senate could be determined by the outcome. Erwin says, obviously, there is a lot riding on Louisiana’s US Senate race…

Cut 15  (10)   “and TV ads”

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13th ranked LSU is just four days away from the season opener against number 14 Wisconsin and it remains a mystery to the public who will be the starting quarterback for the Tigers. Coach Les Miles is staying tight lipped, but he says Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris will get a chance to play against the Badgers…

Cut 16  (17)   “play two”

Miles says how Jennings and Harris perform during the games will determine how long they go with a two quarterback system….

Cut 17  (17)   “not occurred”

Miles doesn’t anticipate the battle for starting quarterback to be a distraction for his team…

Cut 18 (11)  “tough defense”