Louisiana leads the nation in reported flu cases so far this year causing state health officials to remind everyone to get those flu shots. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I”m Kevin Barnhart”

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Governor Edwards’ new ad hopes to pick off Ralph Abraham voters by replaying the at times nasty intra-party primary squabble between the Congressman and Eddie Rispone…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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 AG Jeff Landry says sites like Ebay and Craigslist and allowing counterfiet and potentially dangerous unregulated booze to be sold on their platforms…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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Louisiana is leading the nation in the number of reported flu cases, while not even halfway into flu season.  Assistant Secretary for the state Office of Public Health Dr. Alex Billioux says the hotbed for activity is the Greater New Orleans area, but experts are not sure why the uptick is happening so early.

Cut 4 (09) “…country is seeing.”

Recent numbers show 4.6% of doctor visits were related to flu-like illnesses, compared to 3.8% regionally, which includes Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.  Billioux says the state has one of the lowest rates of adult vaccinations in the nation which is an alarming statistic.

Cut 5 (10) “…your older neighbors.”

For the 2018-19 season, 37% of adults over 18 got a flu shot and 57% of children got theirs.

Billioux says if someone is sick, they shouldn’t show up to work and infect their coworkers, no matter how much an employer may pressure them to do so.

Cut 6 (10) ”…colleagues at risk.”

The flu resulted in over 14,000 hospitalizations and 1,400 deaths in the state last year.
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Governor Edwards’ campaign is hoping to court Ralph Abraham voters with a new ad highlighting Eddie Rispone’s attacks against the Congressman during the primary.

Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Edwards hopes the ad will pick off disillusioned conservatives who voted for Abraham but can’t stomach Rispone.

Cut 7 (10) “…victory.” 

If the voting population remains the same in the run-off that it was in the primary, Edwards would need to attract about 11 percent of Abraham voters to win.

The ad is premised on the idea that there are some GOP voters who would consider voting for a Democrat. Pinsonat says those voters are rare, and getting rarer in Louisiana…

Cut 8 (11) “Vitter.”

The three Republicans in the primary combined to win 52 percent of the vote.

Pinsonat is doubtful that the ad will be successful. He says the message is undercut by the fact that Abraham already seems to have publicly embraced Rispone.

Cut 9 (11)  “…Eddie.”

The run-off is November 16^th.

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Attorney General Jeff Landry is pushing websites like Ebay, Facebook, Craigslist, and others to crack down on counterfeit booze being sold on their platforms.

Landry says those sites are not regulating the alcohol that’s being sold on their sites. He says that poses a serious health risk, and invites scammers to have a field day with popular brand name liquors…

Cut 10 (11) “internet.”

Those sites claim they’re just the middlemen that connect sellers with buyers, but Landry says it’s clear they’re more than that, and as such should be responsible for the sales they help facilitate.

Cut 11 (10) “…shelves.”

Landry says they’re giving those sites a chance to remedy the situation themselves. If they won’t act, he’ll push to legally force them to play by the same rules as brick and mortar stores…

Cut 12 (08) “…enjoy” 

46 Attorneys General from across the country are joining in the push.

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The Louisiana Department of Insurance is warning Louisiana car shoppers to be on the lookout for flood-damaged vehicles coming in from Texas.  Department of Insurance spokesperson John Tobler says in Louisiana, if a vehicle is flooded and totaled the vehicles have to submit a certificate of destruction, but that’s not the case in Texas.

Cut 13 (08) “…in other states.”

Many of the vehicles were flooded as a result of Tropical Storm Imelda one month ago.  Tobler says once a vehicle’s engine and electronics become waterlogged, it is almost impossible to correct those issues, so look for red flags like stains, mildew, rust, mismatching carpet, and discoloration.

Cut 14 (10) “…what it is.” 

Tobler adds if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.  If someone believes they may have bought a flood vehicle already, he recommends contacting some different agencies as soon as possible.

Cut 15 (07) “…of motor vehicle.”
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The 2nd ranked LSU football team is getting to play its third team ranked in the top 10 this season when they host Auburn on Saturday afternoon in Tiger Stadium. Quarterback Joe Burrow says they know how to prepare for a big game

Cut 16  (20) “fun game” 

Burrow has already set the single-season school record for touchdown passes with 29. He’s completed an eye-popping 79-percent of his passes and his 2,484 passing yards ranks second in the NCAA behind Washington State’s Anthony Gordon. Burrow says his pre-game ritual starts with eating a bowl of spaghetti and then he heads to the stadium…

cut 17  (20) “…to it” 

The Alabama game is two and a half weeks away, but safety Jacoby Stevens says they know they can’t look past Auburn…

Cut 18 (20)  every Saturday” 

LSU’s Ed Orgeron is the 30th highest-paid coach in college football and the 9th highest paid in the SEC at four million dollars a year according to the annual USA Today salary report. LSU is the second highest-scoring team in the nation, averaging 50 points per game. USA Today LSU writer Glenn Guilbeau says dollar for dollar it’s tough to find better value than LSU’s offensive trio…
Cut 5 (07) “…bargain”
Ed Orgeron, offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger, and passing game coordinator Joe Brady make a combined 5.2 million dollars. That’s 1.6 million less than Auburn coach Gus Malzahn’s total salary.

State Police arrest 34-year-old Jessie Joseph III of Raceland for the man’s tenth DWI arrest.  Senior Trooper Jesse LaGrange says Joseph was clocked going 89 in a 70 mph zone.

Cut 9 (11)  “…at that time.”
Joseph faces up to thirty years in jail.

It’s a cool afternoon throughout the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a high-pressure system that originated over the north Pacific has brought cooler air to the Gulf South….
Cut 12 (09) “…all across Louisiana.”
We are looking at low temperatures in the 40s tomorrow.

State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says authorities have arrested two men who stole two brand new tractors from a business in Many. 38-year-old Stephan Morton of Shreveport and 41-year-old Michael Bayone of Alexandria have been charged with felony theft. Strain says The stolen tractors have not been recovered.
Cut 8 (11) “…a call.”
The two tractors valued $80-thousand dollars.

USA Today says LSU coach Ed Orgeron’s four million dollar a year contract is good for only ninth highest in the SEC, but USA Today LSU writer Glenn Guilbeau says if Orgeron can finish the season the way he started it, he’ll get a pay raise and fans will rush to crown Orgeron a king if he beats Bama November 9^th, but…

Cut 4 (08) “season”

Guilbeau says Orgeron could still score a major raise even if they lose to Bama by taking the team into, or close to the NCAA playoffs.

It’s starting to get a lot cooler around the state as a high-pressure system that originated over the north pacific invades the region, bringing with it lower temperatures. State Climatologist Barry Keim says that means perfect temperatures for a Saturday at Tiger Stadium…

Cut 14 (10) “…the maximum temperature.”

The front brings with it a chance of rain over the weekend.

A Natchitoches Parish logging operation is shut down after vandals destroyed two vital pieces of equipment in Winn Parish. Officials say the culprits entered the operation and destroyed the radiator on a skidder and cut a hole in the engine block of a cutter, damages requiring 16,000 dollars in repairs. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says they are asking for the public’s help.

Cut 7 (10) “…this damage.”

The equipment was in St. Maurice when it was damaged. 

State Police arrest 34-year-old Jessie Joseph III of Raceland for the man’s tenth DWI arrest.  Senior Trooper Jesse LaGrange says when an impaired driver puts the safety of others at risk, it’s a situation that is not taken lightly.

Cut 10 (12) “…with that also.”

Joseph faces up to thirty years in jail.

LSU coach Ed Orgeron’s four million dollar a year salary is good for 30th highest in college football and 9th highest in the SEC. Matt Doyle has more…
Cut 1 (30) “..Matt Doyle”

It’s a pleasant afternoon across Louisiana and get ready for a cool morning. State Climatologist Barry Keim says you may need a jacket when you leave the house tomorrow…
cut 13 (07) “…region of Louisiana”
The next chance for rain is Friday.

State Police say they’ve apprehended a Raceland man and charged him with his 10th DWI. Senior Trooper Jesse LaGrange says 34-year-old Jessie Jospeh was driving 89 miles per hour in a 70-mile per hour speed zone when was pulled over and subsequently failed a standard sobriety test. LaGrange says hopefully the judicial system can put Joseph behind bars…
cut 11 (05) “…off the road”
Joseph faces up to 30 years in jail.

A Natchitoches Parish logging operation is shut down after vandals destroyed two vital pieces of equipment in Winn Parish. Officials say the culprits entered the operation and destroyed the radiator on a skidder and cut a hole in the engine block of a cutter. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says they are working with the local authorities…
Cut 6 (11) “…to justice.”
Estimated damages are 16-thousand dollars.

LSU’s Ed Orgeron is the 30th highest-paid coach in college football and the 9th highest paid in the SEC at four million dollars a year according to the annual USA Today salary report. The Tigers are the number two team in the nation, but USA Today LSU writer Glenn Guilbeau says that doesn’t mean Coach O is underpaid…
Cut 3 (10) “…start
Orgeron’s record at LSU is 32-and-9.

State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says authorities have arrested two men who stole two brand new tractors from a business in Many. 38-year-old Stephan Morton of Shreveport and 41-year-old Michael Bayone of Alexandria have been charged with felony theft. Strain says The stolen tractors have not been recovered.
Cut 8 (11) “…a call.”

A Raceland man faces 30 years in prison following his 10th DWI arrest. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

It’s a cool afternoon throughout the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a high-pressure system that originated over the north Pacific has brough cooler air to the Gulf South….
Cut 12 (09) “…all across Louisiana.”
We are looking at low temperatures in the 40s tomorrow.

In Natchitoches Parish, an entire logging operation is shut down after vandals destroyed two pieces of vital equipment in Winn Parish last Thursday. Enforcement officers say a radiator on a skidder and hole in the engine block of a cutter have paralyzed the business.  Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain says LDAF along with the Winn Parish Sherriff’s office is asking for the public’s help.

Cut 7 (10) “…this damage.”

State Police arrest 34-year-old Jessie Joseph III of Raceland for the man’s tenth DWI arrest.  Senior Trooper Jesse LaGrange says Joseph was clocked going 89 in a 70 mph zone.

Cut 9 (11)  “…at that time.”

He faces up to 30 years in jail.

The 19-year-old Alabama freshman accused of calling in a bomb threat to the LSU-Florida game at Tiger Stadium faces up to 20 years in prison.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Louisiana Public Broadcasting and Council for a Better Louisiana will host a gubernatorial run-off debate between Governor Edwards and Eddie Rispone on October 30^th. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I”m Matt Doyle”

Billboards intended for Louisiana encouraging residents to vote were accidently put in Jackson, Mississippi. The message encouraged voters to cast their ballots on November 16^th, Louisiana’s run-off election day, but in Mississippi, election day in November 5^th. Billboard workers noticed the wrong date and all incorrect messages have since been removed.

The University of Alabama student accused of calling in a bomb threat during the sold-out LSU-Florida game has pleaded not guilty to a felony charge that carries up to a 20-year prison sentence. Police records say 19-year-old Connor Croll called in the threat in an attempt to stop the game because his friend was on the verge of losing a bet. Baton Rouge Attorney James Rothkamm represents Croll…
cut 13 (06) “…of the charges”
Croll’s next court date is January 8th.
In Natchitoches Parish an entire logging operation is shut down after vandals destroyed two pieces of vital equipment in Winn Parish.  Officials say vandals entered the operation, destroying the radiator on a skidder and cutting a hole in the engine block of a cutter.  Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says they are working with local authorities to catch the culprits,
Cut 6 (11) “…to justice.”
Strain says the repair bill is estimated at $16 thousand, it does not include loss of business.

Governor Edwards and Eddie Rispone will face off in what might be the only gubernatorial debate of the run-off October 30^th on Louisiana Public Broadcasting.

LPB partnered with Council for a Better Louisiana to host the debate, and CABL President Barry Erwin says the discussion will be broken into seven sections over the course of the hour.

Cut 4 (10) “…Louisiana.”

LSU’s Quarterback Joe Burrow is now the Heisman favorite according to bet-online-ag. Burrow is followed by Alabama’s Tua and their former QB, Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts. Advocate writer Brooks Kubena says Burrow’s performance over Mississippi state and Tua’s ankle injury, advanced him to the top spot. Kubena says the next few games will only intensify his odds of being selected.

Cut 9 (08)  “…in New York..”

Connor Croll, the 19-year-old Alabama freshman accused of calling in a bomb threat to Tiger Stadium during the LSU-Florida game because a friend was on the verge of losing a large bet, pleads not guilty.  East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says while some may dismiss Croll’s alleged actions as childish, the evacuation of thousands, possibly inebriated fans, could have been chaotic.

Cut 11 (12) “…from Tiger Stadium.”

Baton Rouge Attorney James Rothkamm is representing Croll and calls him a good kid and says they are waiting until all information comes back before determining how to proceed.

Cut 12 (07) “…character for him.” 

Tuscaloosa Police claim Croll confessed to making the threat. He faces up to 20 years for the felony charge.

Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards and Republican challenger Eddie Rispone have agreed to face each other in a televised debate. It will take place on October 30th and Louisiana Public Broadcasting will televise. Council for a Better Louisiana is a co-host and CABL president Barry Erwin says they’ve been talking with the candidates to schedule this debate…

cut 6 (09) “…things”

Connor Croll, the 19-year-old University of Alabama freshman accused of calling in a bomb threat to Tiger Stadium during the LSU-Florida game because a friend was on the verge of losing a large bet, pleads not guilty. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says a prank of this magnitude is not being taken lightly.
Cut 10 (10) “…to start scrambling.”
Croll faces up to 20 years for the felony charge.

Five majority-African American churches have been vandalized in Crowley over the past four months. Matt Doyle has the story.
Voicer 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry says vandals destroyed two pieces of equipment and that was enough to shut down a logging operation. L-D-A-F enforcement agents say vandals entered a logging operation in Winn Parish and destroyed the radiator on one John Deere Skidder and busted a large hole in the engine block on a John Deere Cutter. The cost of the estimated damages is 16-thousand dollars.

Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards and his Republican challenger Eddie Rispone will debate each other before the November 16th runoff. They will face off on October 30th in a debate televised by Louisiana Public Broadcasting. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says Edwards and Rispone will take questions from a panel of journalists and they’ll also get a chance to ask each other questions….
cut 5 (10) “….rebuttal”
Again the debate is October 30th at 7 PM.

Could LSU become the nation’s top-ranked college football team if they beat Auburn on Saturday. It would be the Tigers third victory over a Top 10 team. Advocate writer and AP Top 25 voter Brooks Kubena…
cut 7 (11) “…higher than them”
Alabama hosts Arkansas this Saturday.

The University of Alabama student accused of calling in a bomb threat during the LSU-Florida game enters a not guilty plea to a felony charge that carries up to a 20-year prison sentence. Baton Rouge Attorney James Rothkamm represents Connor Croll and calls him a good kid. Rothkamm says they are waiting on all the information before determining how to proceed….
cut 12 (07) “…character for him”
Croll allegedly told authorities he called in the threat because his friend was going to lose a wager on the game.

The Pelicans tip off a new season tonight in Toronto against the NBA defending champion Raptors. But rookie sensation Zion Williamson will miss the next to six to eight weeks after undergoing knee surgery. Locked on Pelicans Podcast publisher Jake Madison says former Lakers small forward Brandon Ingram could benefit the most from Zion’s absence…
Cut 15 (09) “…option”
Ingram, who was acquired in the Anthony Davis trade, put up 18 points and five rebounds a game last year for the Lakers. Tip-off tonight at 7:00.