Republican Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins files legislation to enact random drug tests for members of the U-S House and Senate. Higgins says you wouldn’t want emergency personnel to be intoxicated on the job and you sure wouldn’t want legislators to be under the influence either.
cut 13 (11) “…do you”
But Higgins says he knows this legislation will likely not receive approval from a House committee.

13 women are pursuing complaints involving discrimination against the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Attorney Allison Jones represents nine former softball players who complained they were not getting the same amount of resources as men to compete and then faced retalition after their complaints were made to school officials…
cyut 5 (07) “…at that university”
The university strongly denies the allegations.

The seven inmates that climed a perimeter fence at Madison Parish Detention Center in Tallulah are back behind bars today. The jail break occurred around mid-day yesterday and the last of the prisoners on the run were caught at 9:15 last night. LaSalle Corrections Development Executive Ken Sumrall says they did not make it far, after a perimeter was set up…
cut 10 (10) “…partners”
Sumrall says the inmates took advantage of a breach and this was not a planned escape.

Hurricane Florence looks to cause substantial flooding and knock out power to millions along the East Coast when it makes landfall tomorrow. Entergy Louisiana has sent 200 employees and contractors to the region to help restore the power. Company spokesperson Lee Sabatini says extending a helping hand is very rewarding for the company and its employees…
cut 8 (07) “…to do this”

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins introduces legislation that would mandate random drug tests for U-S House and Senate members. If there’s a failed test, the Ethics Committee can take further action. Higgins says many middle class Americans are drug tested for their jobs, so why shouldn’t congressmen?
cut 12 (12) “the nation”
Higgins is optimistic the bill can receive committee approval.

Seven escaped inmates are back in custody after a breach yesterday at Madison Parish Detention Center occurred midday yesterday. LaSalle Corrections Development Executive Kevin Sumrall says it didn’t take long to apprehend the seven, most of whom were incarcerated for robbery.
cut 9 (10) “…procedure”
All inmates were recovered by 9:15 last night. Sumrall says they did not make it far, after a perimeter was set up.

Nine former softball players have filed complaints with the Office of Civil Rights for Title Nine violations alleging that while attending the University of Louisiana at Lafayette they were deprived of appropriate trainers, training facilities, equipment, and supplies when compared to the resources provided to male athletes. Attorney Allison Jones says the players were then retaliated against after bringing up the claims.
Cut 3 (11) “…people were hitting.”
In a statement, the university says it disputes the claims and will strongly defend itself against what they call false allegations.

Hurricane Florence is expected to produce life-threatening storm surge and rainfall when it makes landfall in North Carolina and the Cajun Navy will be there to help with rescues. United Cajun Navy founder Todd Terrell says 67 volunteers left Louisiana Wednesday armed with boats and emergency supplies..
cut 13 (07) “…chip in”
Terrell says they will set up shop in Columbia, South Carolina, where they will assist with rescues and also cook for the local first responders.

Entergy Louisiana has sent a team of nearly 200 employees and contractors to the East Coast. The storm is expected to pack a mighty punch that could have an adverse effect on utility poles in the area, so crews will work with Duke Energy in North Carolina to help avoid prolonged power outages. Entergy Louisiana Spokesperson Lee Sabatini says providing help to other companies in times of disaster is part of a long standing mutual assistance agreement.
Cut 6 (06) “…possible to customers.”

The Governor’s DWI Task Force has been re-formed and is beginning to discuss what can be done to lower the number of intoxicated drivers on our roadways. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission executive director Lisa Freeman says they’ll also look at legislation to combat drugged drivers….
cut 12 (10) “….top of things”
Freeman says two-thirds of the blood samples that the State Police Crime Lab analyzes contains at least one drug to go along with alcohol
Amazon is set to start shipping seven foot tall Christmas trees come November A North Carolina Frasier will run customers about 115 bucks and will be shipped to your house within ten days of being cut down, but Allen Parish Christmas Tree farmer Gray Anderson says that takes the fun out of getting a real tree.
Cut 4 (10) “…a tree”

The United Cajun Navy is setting up shop in South Carolina as Hurricane Florence has the potential of dumping 30 inches of rain on the Carolinas and the coastline is bracing for a storm surge of up to 13 feet. These volunteers were critical in rescuing individuals during the flood of 2016 and Hurricane Harvey. Founder Todd Terrell says they will do more than just rescues…
cut 15 (07) “….just boat rescues”
Entergy is also sending 200 employees and contractors to the region.

Meanwhile, the weather disturbance in the western Gulf of Mexico is running out of time to develop as its moving closer to the Texas coast. The National Hurricane Center gives it a medium chance of developing into a tropical depression. Forecasters say the impact to Louisiana will be minimal.

The next possible threat to the Gulf is Tropical Storm Isaac. It’s currently moving through the Eastern Caribbean Sea.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission wants to do more about drug impaired driving. Kevin Barnhart reports two-thirds of the blood samples that the State Police Crime Lab analyzes contains at least one drug to go along with alcohol….
Cut 2 (28) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Via Airlines begins direct service today to Austin, Texas, and Orlando, Florida, from the Baton Rouge Metro Airport. Airport spokesperson Jim Caldwell says they expect business travelers to utilize the flights to Austin, but he says Austin isn’t just for work…
cut 8 (10) “…music”
Orlando flights are on Mondays and Thursdays, and Austin flights are on Monday, Thursday, and Friday.

The United Cajun Navy has sent dozens of volunteers to South Carolina, where they’ll team with local officials to help with water rescues that may be needed because of Hurricane Florence…
cut 14 (06) “….flooding is’
That’s United Cajun Navy founder Todd Terrell, who says they’ve also brought catering trucks with plenty of food to help feed first responders.

The Governor’s Task Force on DWI has begun a series of meetings to discuss ways to eliminate impaired driving. Governor John Bel Edwards created the Task Force through an executive order. Lisa Freeman, Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says they are also focusing on drivers who are on the road while under the influence of drugs.
Cut 10 (09) “…that’s what’s alarming.“
Freeman says they want to alert the public that even prescription drugs can impair your driving skills.

Kenner Mayor Ben Zahn has rescinded an order that prohibited the city’s recreation department from purchasing Nike products. The memo sent out last week also banned booster clubs from using Nike gear at the city’s parks. But Zahn says he’s rescinded the Nike ban on the advice of the city attorney. Zahn had said he did not want to promote Nike’s political message as they are using Colin Kaepernick in an ad campaign.

Amazon is muscling it’s way into the Christmas tree game this November. Matt Doyle has more.
Voicer 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

About 70 Louisiana volunteers that are part of the United Cajun Navy are on the ground in South Carolina to assist first responders when Hurricane Florence makes landfall in North Carolina…
voicer 3 (28) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A large number of military aircraft that is based in the potential path of Hurricane Florence have flown into Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City. They will stay there until the storm passes.

And Entergy has sent 200 employees and contractors the region to assist with power restoration.

Amazon says its customers will be able to buy a seven-foot fresh Christmas tree from North Carolina and it will be shipped to your home within ten days of it being chopped down. Allen Parish Christmas Tree farmer Gray Anderson doesn’t anticipate Amazon’s plans hurting his business and he believes the public will still support their local Christmas tree farmer…
cut 5 (06) “…the community”
Amazon began shipping three foot trees last year, and its estimated only 1 to 2 percent of the 27 million trees sold nationwide were sold online.

For Louisiana travelers looking to make a trip to Orlando, Florida, direct flight service begins today to the tourist destination from Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge airport spokesperson Jim Caldwell says Via Airlines is offering the service to central Florida…
cut 9 (08) “…as well”
Via Airlines is also offering direct flight service between Baton Rouge and Austin, Texas.

Hurricane Florence is expected to produce life-threatening storm surge and rainfall when it makes landfall in North Carolina and the Cajun Navy will be there to help with rescues. United Cajun Navy founder Todd Terrell says 67 volunteers left Louisiana Wednesday armed with boats and emergency supplies..
cut 13 (07) “…chip in”
Terrell says they will set up shop in Columbia, South Carolina, where they will assist with rescues and also cook for the local first responders.

The Governor’s D-W-I Task Force has started conducting a series of meetings looking at ways the state can do a better job of preventing drunk driving accidents. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission executive director Lisa Freeman says they are looking at drug driving as well…
cut 11 (09) “…result in fatalities”

Direct flights to Austin and Orlando begin Thursday from Baton Rouge’s Metro airport through airliner Via Air, who will be performing their first flights from the state’s capitol city. Baton Rouge Metro Airport Spokesperson Jim Caldwell says Via Air has a great reputation, and offers competitive pricing.
Cut 7 (09) “…good service”
Orlando flights are on Mondays and Thursdays, and Austin flights are on Monday, Thursday, and Friday.

Amazon is set to start shipping seven foot tall Christmas trees come November A North Carolina Frasier will run customers about 115 bucks and will be shipped to your house within ten days of being cut down, but Allen Parish Christmas Tree farmer Gray Anderson says that takes the fun out of getting a real tree.
Cut 4 (10) “…a tree”

The United Cajun Navy is setting up shop in South Carolina as Hurricane Florence is expected to create massive flooding. These volunteers were critical in rescuing individuals during the flood of 2016 and Hurricane Harvey. Founder Todd Terrell says they will do more than just rescues…
cut 15 (07) “….just boat rescues”
Entergy is also sending 200 employees and contractors to the region.

Amazon announces plans they’ll ship fresh seven-foot Christmas trees this holiday season for $115 dollars. Gray Anderson owns a Christmas Tree Farm in Allen Parish and he doesn’t expect Amazon’s new venture will hurt his business, because he says cutting down a tree is a great holiday tradition and it’s more than just getting a tree..
cut 6 (06) “….also”

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission wants to do more about drug impaired driving. Kevin Barnhart reports two-thirds of the blood samples that the State Police Crime Lab analyzes contains at least one drug to go along with alcohol….
voicer 2 (28) “….I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The National Hurricane Center gives a broad area of low pressure in the central Gulf of Mexico a high chance of developing into a tropical depression before it makes landfall on the south Texas coast. Roger Erickson, with the National Weather Service, says models indicate a Texas landfall, but the potential tropical depression or storm could bring south Louisiana more rain

Cut 14 (09) “…this week”

A LaFourche Parish Council member was arrested after violating a protective order filed against him by another councilman for the second time in four months. 51-year-old James Bourgeois Sr. had been ordered to stay clear of Jerry LaFont after a fist fight broke out at a council meeting back in April. Lafourche Parish Sheriffs Spokesperson Brennan Matherne says its politics.

cut 9 (11) “…for this”

Louisiana receives  a seven- million dollar grant to build a new veterans cemetery in Jennings that’s set to break ground November 1^st. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland says currently, southwest Louisiana families have to drive at least 80 miles to the nearest veterans cemetery.
Cut 3 (08) “…Leesville” 

A new report says Louisiana is ranked eighth in obesity for the age group between 10 and 17.  CEO of Trust for America’s Health, John Auerbach says when it comes to obesity among youth, he recommends healthier eating options in schools as well as the increased importance of PE and recess.

Cut 7 (10) “…help as well.

Louisiana has an obesity problem, and the latest numbers show it’s on the rise.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

The mayor of Kenner has rescinded his original order banning the cities recreational department and booster club from purchasing Nike products. This in the wake of national attention paid to the decision that likely would have come under legal challenge. Mayor Ben Kahn stated he did not want city money used for political reasons after Nike named activist Colin Kaepernick as the face of a new campaign. Zahn says he made the decision after input from city lawyers.

A LaFourche Parish Council member was arrested after violating a protective order filed against him by another councilman for the second time in four months. 51-year-old James Bourgeois Sr. had been ordered to stay clear of Jerry LaFont after a fist fight broke out at a council meeting back in April. which is how Bourgeois got his first violation.  Lafourche Parish Sheriffs Spokesperson Brennan Matherne he got busted when…

Cut 10 (10) “order”

It’s made for an awkward situation for the two who have to run into each other twice a month. The restraining order bars Bourgeois from coming within 50 yards of LaFont, except for council meetings, where the two must enter through separate doors.

The National Hurricane Center gives a broad area of low pressure in the central Gulf of Mexico a high chance of developing into a tropical depression before it makes landfall on the south Texas coast. Roger Erickson, with the National Weather Service.

Cut 12 (05)   “of year”