Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain is backing efforts to replace NAFTA with a new deal that would adjust some aspects of trade with Canada and Mexico. Strain says the deal would open up Canada to American dairy, incentivize more American automobile production, and increase standards for food coming in from south of the boarder…

Cut 6, 10 seconds, vital sanitary

The new trade deal would need to clear Congress.

It was a very emotional night outside of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center last night as hundreds showed up for vigil to remember LSU basketball player Wayde Sims. Wayde’s father, Wayne Sims, spoke at the gathering and took time to address his son’s teammates.

Cut 4 (08) “…team is your family.″

Sims was fatally shot last Friday by a 20-year-old man during an altercation.

There’s good news for 2016 flood victims who can not receive federal rebuilding grants through the Louisiana Restore Program, because they already received an S-B-A loan. Senator Bill Cassidy says legislation addressing the duplication of benefits issue has passed the senate and is heading to the President Trump’s desk…

cut 9 (06) “…part of process”

The Louisiana Office of Community Development has said if SBA loans are removed from the duplication of benefits rule, than over six-thousand Louisiana homeowners could be eligible for about 215-million dollars in Restore grants.

According to the latest research from DriversEd.com, distracted driving is on the rise.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

it was a very emotional night outside of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center last night as hundreds showed up for vigil to remember LSU basketball player Wayde Sims. His teammate and lifelong friend Skylar Mays spoke for about 10 minutes

Cut 3 (11) “…people feel.” 

Sims was fatally shot last Friday by a 20-year-old man during a altercation involving several people near the Southern University campus.

At 1:18 today most phones in the state will broadcasting the iconic alert tone that will announce the beginning of the first ever Wireless Emergency Alert test. It’ll be the same tone that currently is broadcast when AMBER Alerts or tornado warnings are issued for your area, and Assistant Deputy Director of Preparedness Chris Guilbeaux says they try to use the system sparingly.

Cut 12 (11)   “…or so.”

It’ll broadcast whether or not you mute your phone.

A new poll shows massive, bipartisan support from coastal residents for Coastal Restoration efforts, and a substantial majority of support for Sediment Diversion projects. Restore the Mississippi River Delta Director Steve Cochran says while not overwhelming, diversion projects did still receive majority backing, despite some local concerns.

Cut 14 (12)   “…70 percent support.”

Senator John Kennedy is bringing forward a bill that would prevent the federal government from doing business with banks that discriminate against companies based on the company’s positions on social issues like gun control. Kennedy says it may have been inspired by anti-gun banks, but…

Cut 4 (11) “…with that either.”

It’s legislation similar to a recent Louisiana Bond Commission decision.

At 1:18 today most phones in the state will begin emitting a nice, shrill screech that will announce the beginning of the first ever Wireless Emergency Alert test. And if you’re wondering, no, you can’t opt out of this test…

Cut 11 (10)   “…WEA system.”

That’s Assistant Deputy Director of Preparedness Chris Guilbeaux who says it’ll be the same tone used by AMBER alerts.

A new poll shows massive, bipartisan support from coastal residents for Coastal Restoration efforts, and a substantial majority of support for Sediment Diversion projects. Environmental groups estimate the state could experience substantial land loss over the next several decades. Restore the Mississippi River Delta Director Steve Cochran says nearly everyone agreed on one question.

Cut 13 (11)   “…want to do it.“

Cochran says sediment diversion projects even received majority support in communities where there’s been some controversy about the idea.

Interim Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says there’s a new scam going around, where callers pretend to be voter registration officials in order to get access to victim’s private information. The callers will offer to register or send absentee ballots to voters over the phone, but Ardoin says the only official way to get that done is online, by mail, or in person. The deadline to register, officially, in person or by mail is October 9^th, and online by October 16^th.

US Senator John Kennedy has filed legislation that he calls the “No Red and Blue Banks Act.” If approved by Congress it would prohibit banks from getting lucrative federal contracts if they discriminate against lawful businesses based solely on social views. Kennedy says it’s in response to Citigroup and Bank of America’s decision to enact policies infringing on the Second Amendment rights of businesses…
cut 6 (10) “….and not believe”
No word on when the legislation will be heard.

At 1:18 today smart phones will emit a nice, shrill screech that will announce the beginning of the first ever Wireless Emergency Alert test. Assistant deputy director for the governor’s office of homeland security and emergency preparedness Chris Guilbeaux.
Cut 10 (10) “…eminent danger“
The wireless emergency alert is used during dangerous weather, missing children and other critical situations.

DriversEd.com releases a survey showing 73% of drivers admit to reading text messages while driving, while 54% say they type on their phones while behind the wheel. Safety and Education Analyst from the website, Laura Adams says their nationwide poll also found 32-percent of drivers report they have driven after having one or more alcoholic drinks and 10-percent admit to driving in the last year after smoking or ingesting marijuana…
Cut 7 (10) “…shocking information here.”

A poll of voters in coastal parishes finds 79-percent support sediment diversions as a way to build the coast back up. The expensive engineering project would divert sediment and fresh water from the Mississippi into the wetlands. Restore the Mississippi River Delta campaign director Steve Cochran says the poll results are encouraging…
cut 15 (12) “….very best funding”

At 1:18 this afternoon, your phone will get an alert from FEMA as it tests its Wireless Emergency Alert system. Chris Guilbeaux, with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says it will be the same tone that is broadcast when an AMBER alert or tornado warning is issued…
cut 12 (10) “…message out”
Cell phones should only receive the message once.

US Senator John Kennedy files legislation that would prohibit the federal government from giving contracts to banks like Citigroup and Bank of America, who have decided to penalize or not do business with lawful pro-second amendment companies. Kennedy says these banks were not picky about whose money they were taking during the financial crash…
cut 5 (08) “….amendment or not”
Kennedy says making banking a red versus blue issue tramples on Second Amendment rights of business owners.

According to the latest research from DriversEd.com, distracted driving is on the rise. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (29) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Jefferson Davis authorities are waiting on toxicology reports on two people found dead in a Jennings home yesterday afternoon. The deceased individuals have been identified as 46-year-old Kevin Melerine and his 40-year-old wife Jenay. Deputies arrived at the home after getting a call from a family member about a possible overdose.

Mobile phones nationwide will receive an emergency alert test from FEMA at 1:18 this afternoon. Chris Guilbeaux with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says the test message will have a header that reads “Presidential Alert” and a text that says “This is a Test of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System”….
cut 11 (10) “…WEA system”
The WEA system is used to warn the public about dangerous weather, missing children and other critical situations.

The Restore the Mississippi River Delta campaign has released a poll that shows 79-percent of coastal voters support diverting fresh water from the Mississippi River to build and maintain thousands of acres of land. There are those who oppose sediment diversion, because of the ecological impact. But Steve Cochran with the Campaign says…
cut 13 (10) “…need to do there”

Senator John Kennedy files legislation that prohbits the federal government from giving contracts to banks that discriminate against lawful businesses based solely on social policy considerations, like gun control. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

LSU will no longer allow GREEKS and other student groups to tailgate at their houses or on the university parade grounds because of a lack of security. The new rules are the result of the decision by Lofton Security, who has decided to no longer provide this type of service.

A new national survey from Drivers-ed-dot-com finds 73-percent of drivers admit to reading text messages while behind the wheel, with 54-percent typing on their phones. Safety analyst Laura Adams says the fact so many people are texting and driving is alarming…
cut 8 (08) “…driving these days”
The survey even found that eight-percent of drivers admit watching YouTube videos while behind the wheel.

A poll paid for by Restore the Mississippi River Delta finds that 79-percent of coastal voters support sediment diversion projects as a way to build back Louisiana’s vanishing coast. There is opposition to these large-scale engineering projects, because of what impact it may have on fisheries and economies of coastal communities. Restore the Mississippi River Delta campaign director Steve Cochran….
cut 14 (12) “…70-percent support”

At 1:18PM today phones will sound an emergency alert tone for the first wireless emergency alert test of its kind. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Senator John Kennedy is going after banks who have chosen to not do business with certain gun manufacturers or retailers with legislation he says will stop the discrimination. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________

According to the latest research from DriversEd.com, distracted driving is on the rise.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

__________________________________

 At 1:18PM today phones across the state will sound with the emergency alert tone for the first WEA test of it’s kind. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

_________________________________________

Senator John Kennedy is bringing forward a bill that would prevent banks from discriminating against companies based on the company’s positions on social issues like gun control. The Louisiana Bond Commission recently decided to not do business with banks that cut capital for gun manufacturers. Kennedy says it may have been inspired by anti-gun banks, but…

Cut 4 (11) “…with that either.”

Citigroup will restrict capital to companies that sell guns to those under 21, or who do not take background checks. Bank of America is refusing to finance companies that manufacture assault weapons.

Kennedy says he’s concerned that massive financial institutions like Citigroup and Bank of America are attempting to create extra-governmental regulatory frameworks that impose social views on the businesses and customers. He says the banks sure weren’t picky about whose money they were taking during the financial crash…

Cut 5 (08)  “…amendment or not.” 

Kennedy says the attempt to bank’s attempts to push social views onto customers is elitist

Cut 6 (10) “…and not believe.”

The legislation is titled the No Red Banks and Blue Banks Act.

____________________________________________

DriversEd.com has released a report showing 73% of drivers admit to reading text messages while driving, with 54% typing on their phones. The report, which examines behind-the-wheel behaviors, habits, and decisions, also shows only 39% of drivers say they use their phone more than they should. Safety and Education Analyst from the website, Laura Adams says the research results may surprise many as to what drivers are fessing up to doing on the road.

Cut 7 (10) “…shocking information here.”

Adams says the research shows the use of technology is on the rise, whether watching videos on YouTube and Netflix or browsing social media.

Cut 8 (08) “…driving these days.”

Adams says there are steps that the website recommends for reducing the risk of dangers on the road.

Cut 9 (10) “…own driving behavior.”

____________________________

At 1:18 today most phones in the state will begin emitting a nice, shrill screech that will announce the beginning of the first ever Wireless Emergency Alert test. This new system will allow local, state, or federal authorities to broadcast emergency messages to your phone. Assistant Deputy Director of Preparedness Chris Guilbeaux says up until now that’s been reserved for EAS tests.

Cut 10 (09)   “…goes out.“

Two minutes after the tone sounds on phones, the EAS portion of the regularly scheduled test will go out.

And if you’re wondering, no, you can’t opt out of this test so you might not want to catch the matinee screening of that new movie you’ve been waiting to see…

Cut 11 (10)   “…WEA system.”

It’ll be the same tone that currently is broadcast when AMBER Alerts or tornado warnings are issued for your area, and Guilbeaux says they’ve been light with their uses, so as to not desensitize people to the warnings.

Cut 12 (11)   “…or so.”

The message will be labeled a “Presidential Alert.”

_______________________________________

A new poll shows massive, bipartisan support from coastal residents for Coastal Restoration efforts, and a substantial majority of support for Sediment Diversion projects. Environmental groups estimate the state could experience substantial land loss over the next several decades. Restore the Mississippi River Delta Director Steve Cochran says nearly everyone agreed on one question.

Cut 13 (11)   “…want to do it.“

Sediment projects that would divert the flow of the M ississippi River to deposit more sediment in at-risk areas have received some concern from residents of areas that could see ecological shifts. Cochran says while not overwhelming, these projects did still receive majority backing.

Cut 14 (12)   “…70 percent support.”

They’re numbers that should grab the attention of people running for office in southern coastal regions. While Cochran says support for coastal restoration may not be controversial, the solid backing for potentially expensive sediment projects should show officials it’s a popular position to hold.

Cut 15 (12)   “…very best funding.”

___________________________________________

So far through five games, LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow has yet to throw an interception. Burrow says credits his preparation for every Saturday….

Cut 16 (20) “.. contested situations” 

The LSU Tigers are 5-0 and ranked fifth in the country heading into Saturday’s SEC showdown with Florida in the Swamp. The offense had its best performance of the season against Ole Miss and Burrow says there is still room to grow…

Cut 17 (25)  “build on this” 

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Running back Mark Ingram is back with the Saints after serving his four-game suspension. He greeted the team at the team’s facility when they returned from beating the Giants. Coach Sean Payton says Ingram is ready to go…

Cut 18 (09) “…good shape” 

Cut 19 (15) “..is possible” 

The Saints beat the Redskins last year, erasing a 15-point deficit in the 4th quarter to beat Washington 34-31 in overtime. Payton says even though the Redskins have a different quarterback this season, Alex Smith, they are capable of putting points on the board….

Cut 20 (14) “foot forward” 

Louisiana receives a 3-point-six million dollar federal grant to increase safety at schools statewide. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

LSU is undefeated and ranked number 5 in the country heading into Week 6 of the college football season.   But today, ESPN released its top nine teams that have chance of going to the playoffs and LSU was left off the list.  ESPN says LSU and West Virginia both have a 6.4 percent chance to make the playoff but only six-tenths of a percent chance to win it all.

A woman’s body found in Cameron Parish was apparently burned with gasoline as part of a possible homicide. 32-year-old Mitzie Galimidi appears to have already been dead when her body was brought to the scene and doused, according to authorities. Cameron Sheriff Ron Johnson says so far they have very little evidence.

cut 9 (12) “…of death”

A 37-year-old, ten year veteran of the Louisiana State Police has been arrested and charged with Abuse of Office after an investigation revealed he allegedly used his access to law enforcement databases for unauthorized activities. John Kelley of Troop G is out after posting bond. Trooper Glenn Younger says having to arrest one of their own was a tough moment.

Cut 13 (09) “…higher standard.”

Kelley has been placed on forced leave.

One woman is dead and another in the hospital after being trapped in an overturned vehicle stranded in a canal for over 24 hours. Officials recovered the victims from the canal Monday afternoon after two friends of the girls, Catera Ned and Alexander Chinn searched and found them. West Baton Rouge Sheriff spokesperson Lt. Ken Albarez says he believes divine intervention lead them to the vehicle.

Cut 4 (10) “…absolutely not.″

Louisiana will receive 3.6 million dollars from the U-S Department of Education to help schools statewide develop and expand their emergency operation plans for disasters, whether they are natural or manmade. The governor’s education policy advisor, Donald Songy, says they want every school to have a plan in place if students are threatened

Cut 6 (09) “…the student”

A woman’s body found in Cameron Parish was apparently burned with gasoline as part of a possible homicide. 32-year-old Mitzie Galimidi appears to have already been dead when her body was brought to the scene and doused, according to authorities. Cameron Sheriff Ron Johnson says they determined it was an attempted burning after contacting the Fire Marshal.

Cut 11 (12)“…off there.”

A 37-year-old, ten year veteran of the Louisiana State Police has been arrested and charged with Abuse of Office after an investigation revealed he allegedly used his access to law enforcement databases for unauthorized activities. John Kelley of Troop G is out after posting bond. Trooper Glenn Younger says the investigation is ongoing, but…

Cut 12 (09)   “…be upheld”