Over the last eleven days, three adults and four children have lost their lives in six different fires across the state.  The State Fire Marshal is reminding you of a very important message that could mean the difference in life and death.  Agency spokesperson, Ashley Rodrigue says there is a free option in the event that your home needs smoke detectors.

Cut 7 (08)  “…installations in homes.”

Last some of the highest fire death numbers in years.

Senator Bill Cassidy has made a statement following the arrest of a Florida man who is suspected on sending out suspicious packages to various politicians and CNN, saying there is no place in American politics for physical threats and violence.

Cut 12 (12)   “…we are Americans.”

Cassidy says politicians have a responsibility to be cautious with their words

Northeast Louisiana music legend Tony Joe White has passed away. Jeff Palermo looks back at the impact White had on the music industry and his hometown…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Governor John Bel Edwards is now on his way to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu and cyber security experts.

Governor John Bel Edwards left today on a week-long economic development mission to Israel. Kevin Barnhart has the details….
Cut 2 (31) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

Pollster, John Couvillon says based on the number of people who have already early voted, we haven’t seen midterm participation like this since 2006….
cut 13 (10) “…contested races”
Couvillon predicts an overall turnout of over 30-percent.

A northeast Louisiana music legend has passed away. Oak Grove’s Tony Joe White died suddenly from a heart attack at the age of 75. White wrote Rainy Night in Georgia, Polk Salad Annie and local favorite Saturday Nite in Oak Grove, Louisiana. Oak Grove native Harriet Monroe Miller says White also wrote a couple of hit songs for Tina Turner and worked with Elvis…
Cut 4 (12) “…on and on″
White was 75-years-old.

A Rapides Parish elementary school teacher has been arrested for possession of alcohol on public school property after an assistant principal noticed she was displaying odd behavior. An SRO from a nearby school responded to Buckeye Elementary to assist the school administrator with the teacher, Shannon Beran, who was believed to be intoxicated. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Tommy Carnline…
Cut 9 (06) “…definitely a problem.”
Carnline says they searched her classroom and found a partially consumed bag of wine.

A rematch of last year’s memorable NFC Divisional playoff game between the Saints and tje Vikings takes place Sunday night at U-S Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. That’s where the Black and Gold’s season ended last year thanks to a miraculous touchdown pass to Minnesota’s Stefon Diggs on the final play of the game. Saints running back Mark Ingram remembers…

Cut 16 (14) “.Sunday night”

The Saints bring a five-game winning streak into the game, while the Vikings have won three in a row.

Louisiana Tech faces Florida Atlantic tonight in a Friday night Conference USA match-up in Boca Raton, Florida. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz says they didn’t play well against the Owls last year…

Cut 18 (18) “…a lot of points” 

Tonight’s game will kick off at 5:30

The second best high school running back recruit in the nation has de-committed from Georgia after verbally signing on with the Bulldogs in July. Destrehan’s John Emery, the 5-11 200 pound bruiser, says he’s taking a look at his football future after the tough decision. The back has offers from all SEC schools, and then some, as one of the most sought after players in the nation for the 2019 recruiting class, but LSU fans are getting hyped about the possibility of the Bayou Boy staying home, after learning that Emery attended the LSU/Georgia game where the Tigers whipped the bulldogs back in October, 36-16. LSU Head Coach Ed says they’re looking at picking up the best back in the nation. LSU’s recruiting class is currently rated 8^th best.

The 3 and 0 Pelicans take on the Brooklyn Nets tonight, storming back into New Orleans with one of the best offenses in basketball, and Antony Davis, who’s averaging 30 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists on 59 percent shooting. The Nets are 1 and 2, and

Hit songwriter and guitarist Tony Joe White from West Carroll Parish has died suddenly at the age of 75 from a heart attack. White was born on a cotton farm near Oak Grove and is best known for writing the 1969 hit “Polk Salad Annie” and “Rainy Night in Georgia.” Oak Grove native Harriet Monroe Miller says White would often come back to his hometown…
cut 3 (10) “….all of us”
White also wrote a couple of hit songs for Tina Turner and worked with Elvis Presley and Tom Jones.

Many LSU fans might be spending the open weekend figuring out how they can get tickets to next week’s LSU-Alabama match-up. Adam Budelli, with StubHub, says sales on their website have been brisk….
cut 26 (08) “….Stadium club”
Budelli says the lowest ticket price on their website is 234-dollars in the east upper deck. He says this is the third most sought-after regular season ticket behind Texas-Oklahoma and LSU-Georgia.

There are four more days left in the Early Voting period and political analyst John Couvillon says overall turnout could be over 30-percent, which is a good number compared to other previous mid-term elections that didn’t feature a U-S Senate race. Couvillon says the media blitz regarding Amendment number two, which is the unanimous juries question is helping to increase turnout…
cut 15 (11) “…is desired”
Early voting ends on Tuesday.

Governor John Bel Edwards is on his way to Israel today for an economic development mission. Edwards and a 24-person delegation will meet with government and industry leaders to discuss opportunities for Louisiana. The governor says Israel is also a world leader in the field of cybersecurity and he’ll hear from their experts…
cut 8 (10) “…private sector”

Graduation ceremonies are underway in Baton Rouge as Cadet Class 98 graduates from the State Police training academy. Sergeant Jared Sandifer says 48 men and women made it through 22-weeks of intense training…
Cut 10 (12) “…estatic”
L-S-P hopes to begin training another cadet class early next year.

Shreveport TV stations report Bossier Parish Schools are facing a lawsuit alleging the school system failed to protect students from a pedophile teacher. The parents fo a nine-year filed the suit. One week ago, deputies charged Aubrey Perry Norcross with rape of a student. He’s also been charged with video voyeurism.

The LSU/Alabama game is a sell out, so Matt Doyle looks at the secondary ticket market….
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

Governor John Bel Edwards is embarking on a week-long economic development mission to Israel today, taking with him a 24-person delegation. Edwards has meetings lined up with some of the nation’s top dignitaries.
Cut 7 (13) “…state of Louisiana.”
Edwards says they’ll meet with companies that have existing projects in Louisiana and they’ll discuss with government and industry leaders about other potential opportunities for Louisiana.

A teacher at Buckeye elementary school has been busted after deputies found wine in her classroom. 43-year-old Shannon Rene Beran faces a charge of alcohol possession on public school property. Witnesses also tell Rapides Parish deputies that Beran displayed odd behavior during car pickup duty, as she was moving slowly and awkwardly.

A local political pollster says he’s been impressed with the early voting numbers through three days of the week long period where voters can cast their ballot early. John Couvillon says national politics are driving the higher than normal turnout for a mid-term election, even though none of Louisiana’s House delegation is in jeopardy of losing his seat….
cut 14 (10) “…turnout”
Early voting concludes next Tuesday.

Still over a week away from the LSU-Alabama match-up and StubHub says the SEC showdown is the third highest selling college football game this season. Adam Budelli says Texas-Oklahoma is number one followed by…
cut 5 (08) “….Baton Rouge”
The lowest ticket price value on their website is $230.

Governor John Bel Edwards is leading a 24-person delegation that leaves today for a weeklong trip to Israel. The schedule includes a meeting with cybersecurity experts as Israel has become a central figure in the global cybersecurity industry. Edwards says he also wants to build a framework for Louisiana to connect with Israel in oil and gas exploration. He says the topics of discussion do not stop there…
cut 9 (13) “….and so forth”
Edwards returns November 2nd.

Louisiana has lost one of its great songwriters..
cut 30
That’s Oak Grove native Tony Joe White and his popular 1969 hit “Polk Salad Annie. White has passed away at the age of 75. He also wrote “Rainy Night in Georgia.”

JMC Analytics is predicting, based on strong early voting numbers, turnout for the November election will more than double last fall’s ballot effort…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle..”

State Police is graduating its 98th cadet class today. Sergeant Jared Sandifer says these 48 men and women went through an extensive training program in Baton Rouge…
cut 11 (10) “…for impaired drivings”
Sandifer says the next cadet class will take place early next year and if you are interested an application can be found on the State Police website.

According to one pollster, early voting numbers are strong for the midterm election in Louisiana. JMC Analytics publisher John Couvillon says we haven’t seen midterm participation like this since 2006….
cut 13 (10) “…contested races”
Couvillon predicts an overall turnout of over 30-percent, which would more than double the turnout last fall.

Tickets on the secondary market are going fast for the November 3rd mega matchup between LSU and Bama in Baton Rouge. StubHub’s Adam Budelli says they’re the most sought after Tiger/Tide tickets in years.
Cut 4 (09) “…respectively”
The lowest ticket prices available are over 200 hundred dollars.

Governor John Bel Edwards is embarking on a week-long economic development mission to Israel today. Kevin Barnhart has details about the trip.
Voicer 2 (31) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

LSU/Alabama tickets are officially sold out but there’s still one option if you’re looking to get into the game….

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Matt Doyle.” 

__________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards is embarking on a week-long economic development mission to Israel today.  Kevin Barnhart has details about the trip.

Cut 2 (31) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

__________________________________

JMC Analystic is predicting, based on strong early voting numbers, that turnout for the November election will more than double last fall’s ballot effort. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle..”

_________________________________________

Tickets are going fast for the November 3^rd mega matchup between LSU and Bama in Baton Rouge. The game is already officially sold out, but tickets are available through resellers like StubHub. StubHub Partnerships and Business Development Manager Adam Budelli says they’re the most sought after Tiger/Tide tickets in years.

Cut 4 (09) “…respectively”

The lowest ticket prices available are over 200 hundred dollars at the moment.

It’s only the third best seller despite it being the biggest heavy weight matchup of the year featuring two teams who’d be in the playoffs if the season ended today. The number one seller of the year was the Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma, but number two…

Cut 5 (08) “.Baton Rouge” 

If the Tigers topple Saban, they’ll have the inside track on a playoff seed, so, Bundelli says if LSU leaves Death Valley winner, and you’re feeling feisty…

Cut 6 (08) “…already.”

_________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards is embarking on a week-long economic development mission to Israel today, taking with him a 24-person delegation.  Edwards also has meetings lined up with some of the nation’s top dignitaries.

Cut 7 (13) “…state of Louisiana.”

Edwards serves as co-chairman of the National Governor’s Association’s Resource Center for State Cybersecurity.  He says Israel is a world leader in the field and says cybersecurity is very important to the state.

Cut 8 (10) “…but also private sector.”

Edwards says he’s looking to also discuss getting Israeli companies to work with Louisiana companies when exploring for oil in the Mediterranean.  But he says the topics of discussion don’t stop there.

Cut 9 (13) “…and so forth.”

The Governor returns November 2^nd.

___________________

The Louisiana State Police are adding forty-eight new troopers to action with the graduation of LSP Cadet Class 98 today in Baton Rouge.  The cadets from around the state have now made it through months of the rigorous program.  LSP Spokesperson Jared Sandifer…

Cut 10 (08)   “…fully commissioned state troopers.“

Sandifer says the training includes education on a wide variety of skills that it takes to perform at the highest level with the LSP.

Cut 11 (10)   “…for impaired drivers.”

Sandifer says while this class may be wrapping up, LSP is actively hiring and encourages anyone who would like to work in law enforcement to look into joining the state police.

Cut 12 (05)  “…best and brightest.”
Although the date of the next cadet class has yet to me finalized, Sandifer says he expects it to take place in early 2019.

________________________________

Early voting turnout for the November 6^th ballot is looking pretty good so far, and one analyst says he expects over 30 percent turnout for the election, which would more than double last year’s fall voting. JMC Analytics Publisher John Couvillon says we haven’t seen midterm participation like this since 2006.

Cut 13 (10)   “…contested races.”

No Senate seats are open, the Congressional races aren’t close, and the only major state level position up for grabs is the nominally nonpolitical Secretary of State’s race. But Couvillon says there’s a number of issues, including a Unanimous Juries Amendment that could be motivating the increased participation.

Cut 14 (10)   “…turnout”

And that amendment is getting a lot of more attention than most amendments have in the past, even boasting a national profile and two million dollars invested in an ad campaign. Couvillon says the increased turnout means if supporters of the initiative could be celebrating if they can keep up the media blitz.

Cut 15 (11)   “…is desired”

_____________________________________________________

A rematch of last year’s memorable NFC Divisional playoff game between the Saints and tje Vikings takes place Sunday night at U-S Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. That’s where the Black and Gold’s season ended last year thanks to a miraculous touchdown pass to Minnesota’s Stefon Diggs on the final play of the game. Saints running back Mark Ingram remembers…

Cut 16 (14) “.Sunday night”

The Saints bring a five-game winning streak into the game, while the Vikings have won three in a row. During the win streak, Minnesota’s defense has forced eight turnovers, allowed just five touchdowns and opponents have only converted on 4 of 32 third down opportunities. Ingram says they will need to play well to win….

Cut 17 (18)  “where to be”

______________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech faces Florida Atlantic tonight in a Friday night Conference USA match-up in Boca Raton, Florida. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz says they didn’t play well against the Owls last year…

Cut 18 (18) “…a lot of points” 

Tonight’s game will kick off at 5:30 on C-B-S Network. Holtz says he’d rather play on Saturdays, but likes playing on national television…

Cut 19 (18) “.the exposure” 

Florida Atlantic is 3-4, while Louisiana Tech is 5-2 and on a two-game winning streak. Bulldogs QB J’Mar Smith threw for just 156 yards in a win last week against UTEP. But Holtz says Smith is healthier this week…

Cut 20 (18) “football team” 

LSU’s Manship School says Democrats have a noticeable lead in key battleground congressional races nationwide. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

A Livingston Parish man who ordered a “sensual massage” has been found guilty of second degree murder.   Christopher Landry has been convicted in the killing of massage therapist in training, Kayla Ann Denham, who he hired for the services at his home last year.  In court Thursday, Landry admitted to striking Denham in the head with a gold club five times, however an autopsy showed it was 15 times and that she had been strangled.

The FDA has approved a new drug that can reduce the severity of the flu. LSU Health New Orleans Professor and Infectious Disease Specialist Fred Lopez says after a busy season last year, it’s certainly possible that many of the flu strains this year have developed resistances to popular post-infection medications. The Professor says because Xofluza targets different systems than treatments like Tamiflu, it’s less likely to be shrugged off…

Cut 10 (07)  “…those viruses.”

Xofluza has been found to reduce flu symptoms if the patient has been sick for less than 48 hours

And scary moments earlier today in Lake Charles as Police and SWAT teams stormed Lake Charles Memorial Hospital after receiving reports that a man on the sixth floor of the facility had a gun. Upon investigation the person was discovered, and detained, but did not have a gun on his person. The investigation into the event is ongoing.