A new report shows 14 percent of bridges in Louisiana are structurally deficient, with a need for rehabilitation or possibly even replacement. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Billboards apparently paid for by Alabama fans have popped up in Baton Rouge encouraging Louisiana residents to donate 50-dollars to the Red Cross for Hurricane Michael relief efforts, because the Crimson Tide will drop 50 points on LSU on Saturday night.

Authorities say three people have been arrested in the largest Methamphetamine bust in Lafayette Parish’s history. Sheriff’s office spokesperson John Mowell says a search of a home in Lafayette and a business in Scott uncovered nearly 12 pounds of meth, worth just over one-million dollars…
cut 13 (11) “…narcotics”
Mowell says marijuana, oxycodone and other drugs were discovered at the two locations.

State Police have arrested a LaPlace man for a fatal hit and run of a pedestrian that took place over a week ago along L-A 628 in St. John the Baptist Parish. Trooper Melissa Matey says tips from citizens led them to 28-year-old Charles Combetta…
cut 11 (09) “….of cases”
The victim has been identified as 55-year-old Danny Simoneaux of LaPlace.

Over a million dollars in drugs were seized in Lafayette in one of the biggest busts in Parish history. The bust led to the arrest of three people and the discovery of 11.9 pounds of methamphetamine, enough for thousands of doses. Lafayette Parish Sheriff Lt. John Mowell says the seizures were made at two locations.

Cut 12 (11)   “…out of.”

He says the majority of the meth was seized at the business location.

A 28-year-old LaPlace man has been charged in a fatal hit and run that occurred on October 20th. Investigators say 55-year-old Danny Simoneaux of LaPlace was  hit by vehicle while walking on L-A 628. L-S-P spokesperson Melissa Matey says they believe Charles Combetta was the man who hit Simoneaux

Cut 9 (08) “…from the public.”

Matey says Combetta not only drove away after striking Simoneaux, he also tried to destroy any evidence.

The United Cajun Navy will provide protection to a few south Louisiana synagogues while tensions are high after the Pittsburgh terror attack on a Jewish congregation. 11 people died in the Saturday morning massacre by alleged shooter Robert Bowers. Media Coordinator Brian Trascher says they are inspired in part by an Islamic donation effort that raised 150,000 dollars for the victims.

Cut 4 (07) “…differences″

Trascher says they will provide an unarmed lookout service to keep an eye out for suspicious behavior around the houses of worship, and report suspicious behavior to the police for the two synagogues who have accepted the offer.

85,000 Louisianans are getting checks from the State treasurer’s office for unclaimed property before the end of the year. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Matt Doyle.” 

Lafayette deputies have seized over one million dollars in drugs, guns and cash.  The Sheriff’s narcotics unit arrested Lafayette drug dealers in one of the largest Methamphetamine seizures in the area’s history.  During the early morning hours of Friday, the SWAT team and Narcotics Deputies executed search warrants on both a residence and a business.

A new report shows 14 percent of bridges in Louisiana are structurally deficient, with a need for rehabilitation or possibly even replacement.  Spokesperson for the transportation research group TRIP, Rocky Moretti, says with precautions are being taken with some bridges in order to extend structural lifespans.

Cut 6 (10) “…can remain open.”

The United Cajun Navy will be providing protection to a few south Louisiana synagogues while tensions are high after the Pittsburgh terror attack on a Jewish congregation. Media Coordinator Brian Trascher says no one will be armed, and they’ll be providing a lookout service to keep an eye out for suspicious behavior around the houses of worship.

Cut 3 (10) “…the ordinary”

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. will host the Louisiana Mental Health Summit today to bring together federal, state, and local leaders to discuss methods to improve mental health care in Louisiana. Cassidy says many sheriffs note local jail is the largest provider of mental health services in most parishes and that puts a strain on communities…

Cut 4 (09) “…consuming taxes.”

LSU are 14 point underdogs against the Crimson Tide this Saturday, in the largest spread against the Tigers at home in 20 years. Despite the Purple and Gold’s two major upset victories against Top Ten teams, Vegas has decided the Bama train will roll on, and easily. Analyst Jimmy Ott says Saban’s Tide has been rolling spreads all year long…

Cut 13 (11)   “…games in”

State treasurer John Schroder says tens of thousands of Louisianans will get a check from the state before the end of the year for unclaimed property that’s been held by the state. The checks will be up to 1,500 dollars. Schroder says they uncovered the money after teaming up with the Revenue Department.
Cut 10 (11)   “…doing more“
If you are owed more than 1,500 dollars, additional verification will be needed before the state will mail you your money.

Today is the last day for early voting in the fall primary election.  To find polling places, you can now use the smartphone app, GeauxVote Mobile.  You can also access a preview ballot before stepping into a polling location.  Speaking of smartphone apps, you can now use the smartphone app LA Wallet as an acceptable form of picture ID, as poll commissioners have received training regarding the new digital license app.  Polling locations close at 6pm today for early voting.  Your next opportunity to vote will be on November 6^th.

State Treasurer John Schroder says 85-thousand Louisiana citizens will get a check of up to $1,500 for unclaimed property that’s been held by the state. Schroder says legislation approved this year allows his office to work with the Department of Revenue so they can get correct addresses to return money in their unclaimed property account…
Cut 10 (11) “…doing more“
If you are owed more than 1,500 dollars, additional verification will be needed before the state will mail money that may belong to you.

US Senator Bill Cassidy is hosting a mental health summit in Baton Rouge today. Cassidy says federal, state and local leaders are discussing proven methods to improve mental health care…
cut 6 (12) “…state government”
Cassidy authored the Mental Health Reform Act approved in 2016.

Even though Alabama has yet to be tested this season, by a Top 10 opponent, the top ranked Crimson Tide are listed as a two touchdown favorite to beat the Tigers on Saturday night. Baton Rouge sports talk show host Jimmy Ott says if you like putting money games, he’d stay away from this one, because we really don’t know who good Alabama is…
cut 14 (07) “…as well”
Billboards are popping up in Baton Rouge paid for by Alabama fans encouraging LSU fans to donate 50-dollars to Hurricane Michael relief efforts, because the Crimson Tide will drop 50 points on LSU.

Groundbreaking is today on a new $200 million power plant in Washington Parish. Louisiana PSC Chairman Eric Skrmetta says between a growing population and energy needs, as well as other facilities needing an overhaul, the project is a necessity.
Cut 7 (09) “…70 years old.”

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy hosts the Louisiana Mental Health Summit today…
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Connor Ferrill.”

Early Voting ends tonight at 6 PM. You can cast a ballot for the November sixth election at your local parish Registrar of Voters Office.

A cold front is expected to bring stormy weather to Louisiana on Halloween and into Thursday morning. A squall line could impact north Louisiana during trick or treat times.

Groundbreaking takes place today on a new 361-megawatt power plant near Bogalusa in Washington Parish. Calpine Corporation will build the natural gas-fired peaking unit. Once constructed, Entergy plans to purchase the facility. Louisiana Public Service Commission Chairman Eric Skrmetta says the plant is about three times the size of the one currently being discussed for New Orleans East….
cut 9 (09) “…the north shore”
The plant is expected to be operational in three years.

Alabama is about a two touchdown favorite to beat LSU on Saturday night. It’s the largest point differential the Tigers have ever faced in 20 years when listed as the underdog in Death Valley. Baton Rouge sports talk show host, Jimmy Ott, says LSU linebacker Devin White’s first half suspension has impacted the betting line…
cut 15 (08) “…one point”
Kick off is at 7:05.

Leaders on the topic of mental health gather today at LSU’s Pennington Research Center for a summit organized by Senator Bill Cassidy. Cassidy will moderate a session that features a deputy director from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration…
cut 5 (11) “…law enforcement”
Cassidy says they will discuss how to make sure middle class Americans are receiving the mental health care they need.

Groundbreaking takes place today in Bogalusa where Calpine Corporation will build a new 261-million dollar dollar power plant. Louisiana Public Service Commission Chairman Eric Skrmetta …
cut 8 (09) “…the aging fleet”
Entergy will purchase the plant once its constructed and the utility company says this natural gas-fired plant will help meet energy needs of customers.

LSU is a 14 point underdog against top ranked Bama this Saturday, the largest point spread at home in 20 years. Matt Doyle spoke with a Baton Rouge sports talk show host who is a betting odds expert…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle..”

A state appeals court has thrown out a lawsuit filed by a Saints ticket holder who was seeking a refund because of national anthem protests performed by the players. Lee Dragna of Morgan City said he would not have bought his tickets, if he knew players would not stand for the national anthem. He says it created emotional distress. But the appeals court says there was no cause of action on any aspect of Dragna’s claims.

Some 85-thousand Louisiana residents can expect a check from the Louisiana Department of Treasury. The money comes from the state’s unclaimed property account…
cut 12 (09) “…900-million dollars”
State treasurer John Schroder says legislation approved this year allows his department to work with revenue officials for the purpose of returning unclaimed property to its rightful owners.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy will host a Louisiana Mental Health Summit today to bring together federal, state, and local leaders to discuss methods to improve mental health care. Cassidy says sheriffs note local jails are the largest provider of mental health services in most parishes and that puts a strain on communities…
Cut 4 (09) “…consuming taxes.”
The event takes place today at LSU’s Pennington Research Center.

LSU is a 14-point underdog against top ranked Alabama this Saturday, in the largest point spread against the Tigers at home in 20 years. Despite the Purple and Gold’s three upset victories against three top ten teams, Vegas has decided the Bama train will roll on, and easily. Baton Rouge talk show host Jimmy Ott says Saban’s Tide has been rolling spreads all year long…
Cut 13 (11) “…games in”
But Saturday will be Alabama’s toughest test of the season by a wide margin.

Today is the last day to Early Vote. You can early vote in person at your parish Registrar of Voters Office or at other designated locations by six PM tonight.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy will host the Louisiana Mental Health Summit today. Connor Ferrill has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “I’m Connor Ferrill.” 

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 85,000 Louisianans are getting checks from the State treasurer’s office for unclaimed property before the end of the year. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Matt Doyle.” 

__________________________________

LSU are 14 point underdogs against top ranked Bama this Saturday, the largest point spread at home in 20 years.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle..”

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U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. will host the Louisiana Mental Health Summit today to bring together federal, state, and local leaders to discuss methods to improve mental health care in Louisiana. Cassidy says many sheriffs note local jail is the largest provider of mental health services in most parishes and that puts a strain on communities…

Cut 4 (09) “…consuming taxes.”

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will speak at the summit and Cassidy says he is glad to host a federal agency that provides a plethora benefits for the mentally ill…

Cut 5 (11) “…law enforcement.” 

The senator notes lower class citizens often qualify for Medicaid but middle class Americans can struggle with mental health coverage. Cassidy cites Arizona Governor Doug Ducey on how to handle the disparity in coverage…

Cut 6 (12) “…state government.”

The event will take place at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center from 8 AM until 2:30 PM today.

_________________________

A new $200 million power plant is coming to Washington Parish with the groundbreaking taking place today.  The facility is a 361-megawatt natural gas-fired peaking power plant in Bogalusa and will be run by Calpine.  Louisiana PSC Commission Chairman Eric Skrmetta says between a growing population and energy needs, as well as other facilities needing an overhaul, the project is a necessity.

Cut 7 (09) “…70 years old.”

Skrmetta says there are many benefits that come with the new facility.

Cut 8 (09) “…the aging fleet.”

Skremetta says the plant is about three times the size of one currently being discussed for New Orleans East.

Cut 9 (09) “…the north shore.”

The plant is expected to be operational in three years.

___________________

State treasurer John Schroder says tens of thousands of Louisianans will get a check from the state before the end of the year for unclaimed property that’s been held by the state. The checks will be up to 1,500 dollars. Schroder says they uncovered the money after teaming up with the Revenue Department.

Cut 10 (11)   “…doing more“

If you are owed more than 1,500 dollars, additional verification will be needed before the state will mail you your money.

Schroder estimates that the state receives about 80 to 90 million dollars a year in unclaimed property or money, and says if you want to make sure you can get access to what is yours, you need to keep your records up to date with the state.

Cut 11 (11)   “…insurance companies.”

Orleans Parish residents are owed 1.1 million dollars, followed by Jefferson at 998 thousand, and East Baton Rouge at 986,000 dollars.

The partnership is the result of 2018 regular session legislation that allows the Revenue Department to share records with Treasury. Schroder says they’re looking for more ways to improve the system to give back the nearly billion dollars in unclaimed resources that the state is not allowed to use for itself.

Cut 12 (09)  “…900 million dollars.”

To see if you are owed money, drop by latreasury.com

________________________________

LSU are 14 point underdogs against the Crimson Tide this Saturday, in the largest spread against the Tigers at home in 20 years. Despite the Purple and Gold’s two major upset victories against Top Ten teams, Vegas has decided the Bama train will roll on, and easily. Analyst Jimmy Ott says Saban’s Tide has been rolling spreads all year long…

Cut 13 (11)   “…games in”

The Tigers were seven point underdogs when they crushed Georgia 36-16, and 10 point underdogs when they squeaked out a 22-21 win over Auburn.

That being said, Bama hasn’t played anyone this year ranked 39^th or above in RPI, while the Tigers have played five teams with better ratings, only losing to one. Ott says he’d shy away from the game, because it’s tough to make an educated prediction when the favored team hasn’t played anyone.

Cut 14 (07)   “…as well”

Ott says the game is notable for another subplot, the absence in the first half of linebacker Devin White. He says usually it takes the absence of a quarterback to effect Vegas’s predictions, but this time the peculiar circumstances of White’s first half suspension has led to a shifting in the line.

Cut 15 (08)   “…one point”

The game kicks off at 7pm at Tiger Stadium.

_____________________________________________________

After making a trip home to Ohio during the bye weekend, Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow is ready his first taste of the LSU-Alabama rivalry. He goes into this game unafraid…

Cut 16 (14) “.ready to go”

LSU has lost seven straight to Alabama. In each of those game, Alabama’s quarterback has outplayed the Tigers signal caller. Coach Ed Orgeron says Burrow goes into Saturday night’s Top 5 match-up a confident player…

Cut 17 (20)  “not panic”

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagvailoa has been playing at a different level this season is a front-runner to win the Heisman Trophy. Orgeron says it will take a team effort to slow Tua down and it starts with the defensive line playing great technique…

Cut 18 (18) “…them down yet” 

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At two o’ clock on Saturday, ULM will hsot 7-and-1 Georgia Southern. The Eagles run the option, averaging 276 yards on the ground. Coach Matt Viator is hoping for a big  and loud crowd at Malone Stadium to watch his team take on the best team in the Sun Belt…

Cut 19 (24) “.for sure” 

ULM is 4-4, 2-2 in the Sun Belt and tied with the Ragin Cajuns for first place in the West Division. But Viator says there hasn’t been much talk about being in first place…

Cut 20 (16) “really” 

The November 6^th ballot includes an amendment that allows voters to decide whether or not convicted felons should be allowed to run for office right out of prison. The number one amendment option would bar felons from elected or appointed office for five years after their sentence. Public Affairs Research Council Louisiana President Robert Scott says we’ve had that law in the past, but…

Cut 3 (09) “…presented”

According to a recent report, 56% of all occupants who died in a crash did not use a safety belt. Executive Director of Statistical Analysis at the Highway Safety Research Group Helmut Schneider says the research has found a particular demographic that is the most likely to neglect seatbelts.

Cut 7 (10)  “don’t buckle up.”

Medical Marijuana in Louisiana has been pushed back from the distributors hoped-for launch date of late this year, to early next year as the grower, GB Sciences, its partner, LSU, and the Ag Department iron out the last regulatory details. New Iberia Senator Fred Mills says at the point they’ll be producing quite a bit of CBD in pill and oil form…

Cut 10 (05) “…of medication.”

An active duty member of the security forces at Barksdale Air Force Base is dead.  Initially, Eduardo Ramos Jr. lost control of his vehicle and collided with an overpass bridge rail Saturday night.  When another drive stopped to help, both vehicles were then struck by an oncoming truck. LSP spokesperson Scott Moreau says the investigation is continuing into which impact was fatal to Ramos as he fell from the overpass.

Cut 14 (04) “…from the toyota.”