It’s been five years since a package of state criminal justice reform laws went into effect. The legislation lowered the state’s prison population, which allowed the state to re-invest that money elsewhere. The governor’s communications director Lauren Leist says today the governor will visit an organization in Lafayette that helps domestic violence victims and he has more events planned later this week…
Cut 11 (09) “…re-investment”

Experts say the record low Mississippi River levels are taking a big toll on the economy. Clint Wilson is the director of the LSU Center for River Studies says the impact is being felt from Illinois to the Gulf of Mexico as barges can’t carry full loads.
Cut 3 (09) “..to it”
Accuweather estimates the economic loss at around 20-billion dollars.

It’s Halloween and Louisiana State Police have some tips on how to make it a safe one for trick-or-treaters. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Tonight’s Powerball Jackpot has reached one billion dollars, that’s a billion with a B, and Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Dustin Annison says it has a cash value of $497-million dollars
Cut 6 (09) “…jackpot ever.”
Tonight’s drawing is just before 10 PM.

Early voting ends tomorrow and Public Affairs Research Council (PAR) President Steven Procopio says Amendment 8 would freeze property value assessment for disabled persons. And while PAR does not recommend how one should vote but does offer information to help make that decision. He says you can always read more on their website…:

Cut 15 (09)  “…December amendments.”

Governor John Bel Edwards will hold a series of events this week to mark the five-year anniversary of bipartisan criminal justice reforms becoming law. governor’s communications director Lauren Leist (least) says ten criminal justice reform bills were approved during the 2017 regular session and many of those bills went into effect five years ago on November 1st…

Cut 12 (12) “…made a difference.” 

The Pelican Institute for Public Policy has filed a lawsuit against the Biden Administration on behalf of Louisiana Attorney Tommy Badeaux (bad-oh) claiming student loan debt cancellation is illegal. Pelican Institute’s special counsel James Baehr…

Cut 7 (11) “…are designed.”
The Biden administration says the 2003 Heroes Act gives them the authority to forgive student loans during a national emergency and the U-S Department of Education points to the COVID pandemic as that emergency.

And because it’s Halloween Louisiana State Police want to remind parents to map out your route before you go trick-or-treating tonight. Trooper Javier Leija says it’s against the law for sex offenders to participate in Halloween activities and you can check LSP-dot-org for offenders’ homes on your route.

Cut 6 (08)  “…your area.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards will hold a series of events this week to mark the five-year anniversary of bipartisan criminal justice reforms becoming law. The governor’s communications director Lauren Leist says the state’s recidivism rate has fallen 26-percent in the last five years.
Cut 10 (09) “…in prison”
The landmark legislation reduced the state’s prison population and over 100-million dollars was reinvested into crime prevention and anti-recidivism programs.

There have been several lawsuits against President Biden’s student loan debt cancellation program and now there’s one based out of Louisiana. The Biden Administration cites the 2003 HEROES Act as its authority to cancel student loan debt, but Attorney James Baehr at the Pelican Institute says the HEROES Act is designed to help members of the military…
cut 8 (05) “….public debt”
A federal appeals court has issued a temporary stay, preventing the Biden administration from eliminating any debt.

Today and tomorrow are the final days to early vote before the November eighth election. Constitutional amendment eight would remove the requirement for property owners with disabilities to annually certify their income in order to receive a property tax rate freeze. Public Affairs Research Council President Steve Procopio on why someone would vote no…
cut 14 (09) “….to provide services”
Procopio says PAR does not recommend how one should vote, but offers information for voters to make a decision at par-louisiana-dot-org.

Today is Halloween and trick or treaters will have perfect weather to go door-to-door filling up their bags with candy tonight. State Police Trooper Javier Leija says if your children do not have bright colored costumes, make sure they wear a glo-stick and put their name and address in their costume in case they get separated…
cut 5 (07) “….the house”

Several lawsuits have been filed trying to stop the Biden Administration from going through with its plan to cancel federal student loan debt. Nearly 22-million borrowers applied for loan forgiveness in the week since the application opened. One of the lawsuits against the program is based in Louisiana. Pelican Institute’s special counsel James Baehr says such a program should have received Congressional approval…
cut 9 (07) “….follow the rules”

It’s been five years since a package of state criminal justice reform laws went into effect. The legislation lowered the state’s prison population, which allowed the state to re-invest that money elsewhere. The governor’s communications director Lauren Leist says today the governor will visit an organization in Lafayette that helps domestic violence victims and he has more events planned later this week…
Cut 11 (09) “…re-investment”

Early Voting for the November 8th election ends tomorrow, and we offer a closer look at Constitutional Amendment eight on the ballot. Kevin Gallagher has more…
Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

It’s LSU-Alabama week and the Tigers are 13 point underdogs. Former LSU Tiger and ESPN analyst Marcus Spears believes the Bayou Bengals can keep it close because of their quarterback play…
cut 19 (14) “…have a chance”
Kick-off on Saturday is at 6 PM.

Governor John Bel Edwards will spend this week highlighting the successes of criminal justice reform legislation approved five years ago. Don Molino has the story…
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Don Molino”

The New York Times reports there were 64 suicide attempts inside the Ware Youth Center in Red River Parish in 2019 and 2020. And at least 91 children have tried to flee since the start of 2019. The Times report says the facility in Coushatta is plagued by repeated acts of physical violence, sexual assault and psychological torment.

There have been several lawsuits against President Biden’s student loan debt cancellation program and now there’s one based out of Louisiana. The Biden Administration cites the 2003 HEROES Act as its authority to cancel student loan debt, but Attorney James Baehr at the Pelican Institute says the HEROES Act is designed to help members of the military dealing with war or a national emergency…
cut 8 (10) “….public debt”
A federal appeals court has issued a temporary stay, preventing the Biden administration from eliminating any debt.

Trick-or-treaters will be roaming the streets tonight. State Police Trooper Javier Leija says make sure you have your lights on when driving at dusk, stay off your cell phone and no drinking and driving…
cut 4 (08) “…in front of them’
Leija says if your children are not dressed in a brightly colored costume, have them wear a glo-stick.

The Pelican Institute for Public Policy has filed a lawsuit against the Biden Administration on behalf of Louisiana Attorney Tommy Badeaux (bad-oh) claiming student loan debt cancellation is illegal. Pelican Institute’s special counsel James Baehr…
Cut 7 (11) “…are designed.”
The Biden administration says the 2003 Heroes Act gives them the authority to forgive student loans during a national emergency and the U-S Department of Education points to the COVID pandemic as that emergency.

Constitutional Amendment Eight on the November eighth ballot would freeze property value assessment for disabled persons. PAR President Steven Procopiop says the state already does this for the elderly and others…
cut 13 (10) “…..recertify every year”
Early voting for the November eighth election concludes tomorrow.

It’s Halloween and Louisiana State Police have tips on how to make it a safe one for trick-or-treaters.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Ferriday native and American music legend Jerry Lee Lewis has passed away at age 87. He died yesterday at his home in northern Mississippi. Baton Rouge attorney Jim Brown knew Lewis for decades. He says, despite his stardom, he was quite down-to-earth when you met him..:
CUT 14 (10) “…about them.”

Lewis bursted on the scene in the 1950s, but his popularity took a nose dive at the end of that decade once it was learned he married his 13-year-old cousin and Lewis was still married to his second wife. But he reinvented himself as a country music star in the late 1960s Jerry Lee Lewis…gone at 87 years of age.

Early Voting for the November 8th election ends Tuesday, and we offer a closer look at one of the 8 constitutional amendments on the ballot. Amendment 8, which affects disabled homeowners…:
Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Last night in college football, Louisiana Tech lost in overtime for the second straight week as the Bulldogs fell to F-I-U 42-34 in double OT in Miami. Today, Grambling State hosts Alcorn State. The Tigers have not lost to the Braves at home since 2006. And McNeese hosts Southeastern Louisiana for homecoming. The Lions have only turned it over four times this year.

Ferriday native and Rock n Roll and Country music hall of famer Jerry Lee Lewis has died at the age of 87. Brooke Thorington looks back at the lifestyle of the musical icon…
Cut 2 (47) “…Brooke Thorington”

Lafourche Parish deputies arrest a man accused of selling the drugs that killed one teenager and put another in the hospital. 18-year-old Blayne Terrebonne is alleged to be a drug dealer who caused the overdose death of a 15-year-old girl from Galliano. A 16-year-old boy is still recovering from his overdose. Sheriff’s spokesman Brennan Matherne says more arrests could be coming…:
CUT 10 (10) “…expected”
The victims attended South Lafourche High School.

Monday is Halloween and it’s against state law for sex offenders to participate in Halloween festivities that includes the handing out of candy. State Trooper Javier Leija says you can check for registered sex offenders in your neighborhood by visiting L-S-P-org….
cut 6 (08) “…your area”
Leija says when your kids get home from trick or treating, make sure all the candy is individually wrapped.

The man they called “The Killer” has passed away. Louisiana entertainment legend Jerry Lee Lewis died yesterday at age 87. The Ferriday native won three Grammys and scored numerous top hits in rock & roll and country music. Baton Rouge attorney Jim Brown knew Lewis for decades. He says even a major scandal over marrying his 13-year-old cousin couldn’t end his drive to make music…:
CUT 13 (09) “…going to miss Jerry Lee.”
Again, Jerry Lee Lewis is gone at age 87.

Lafourche Parish Deputies arrest the man they say provided the drugs that killed a 15-year-old girl and sent a 16-year-old boy to the hospital….
cut 11 (11) “…associated with”
Lafourche Sheriff’s spokesman Capt. Brennan Matherne says 18-year-old Blayne Terrebonne is now in custody.

The northern half of the state is seeing showers and thunderstorms. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says northwest Louisiana has received a good soaking…
cut 3 (13) “…has been reported’
There’s still a slight risk for severe weather for southeast Louisiana later this morning.

It’s Halloween weekend and President of the Louisiana Humane Society Jeff Dorson reminds pet owners that chocolate is especially toxic to dogs and while the kids tend to get hyped up on sugar in general it’s harmful to your pets. He says keep your pets out of the same room while your trick-or-treaters sort their candy.
Cut 7 (10) “…be happy”
Dorson says make sure your pet’s ID tag is up-to-date, and they are wearing them in case they escape while you pass out candy.

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s office announces the arrest of 18-year-old Blayne Terrebonne of Larose in connection with the suspected drug overdose death of a 15-year-old girl and the hospitalization of a 16-year-old boy. Both are from Galliano. Captain Brennan Matherne says it’s a tragic situation…

Cut 9 (08)  “…the community.”

More arrests are expected.

The Coast Guard is providing more details on the dramatic Wednesday night rescue of two helicopter crew members from the Gulf of Mexico. Three people were in the helicopter that was transferring them from an oil rig to Abbeville when it went down about 40 miles from Morgan City. Lt Commander Sean Di George says they put out a call for help from any boats that might be in the area.

Cut 3 (10) “…good location.” 

Two were injured and one died in the accident.

A quick reminder with Halloween coming up: don’t fee candy to your pets…. or let them get in it on their own. It is toxic for them. Louisiana Humane Society President Jeff Dorson also recommends you keep your pets inside and secured during Trick-or-Treating…:

Cut 8 (09)  “…our control”

A Louisiana legend has passed away. Ferriday native Jerry Lee Lewis died Friday at the age of 87 at his Mississippi home south of Memphis. Baton Rouge Attorney Jim Brown knew Lewis from his days in Ferriday and says the piano player who called himself Killer had audiences dancing when he came on the scene in the 1950s…

Cut 12 (08) “….Country Music Hall of Fame”