A group of Louisiana lawmakers and other state leaders are expressing outrage about Louisiana hospitals charging rape victims for care. Among them is Slidell Representative Kevin Pearson. He says it’s completely wrong that women who have reported sexual assault are getting these massive hospital bills…

cut 6 (09) “for the crimes”

A standard rape kit at a hospital has to be free under federal law, but hospitals can still charge for HIV testing, pregnancy testing or medication that could prevent a rape victim from getting an STD.

Fort Polk has received the most supporting public comments of any Army base in the country facing military cutbacks, according to the Army Environmental Command. Michael Reese, with Fort Polk Progress, says this is the first step in the force reduction process with the next step being a public listing session in March…

cut 12 (13) “for Fort Polk”

Reese says the Army will make an announcement next June.

Louisiana State Police report that two people were killed, including a Fort Polk soldier, in a fiery single vehicle accident in Vernon Parish. Trooper Scott Moreau says the crash occurred near US Highway 171 early Sunday morning…

cut 9 (08) “really, really bad”

The identity of the driver will not be released until notification of next of kin, but Moreau says he was a soldier at Fort Polk. The passenger of the vehicle has not been identified at this time.

State Police say a DeRidder man is dead after sustaining injuries in the crash of a truck driven by a 13-year-old in Beauregard Parish. Authorities say the truck struck a cow standing in the roadway of LA 112, causing the unlicensed driver to lose control of the vehicle and then strike a tree. 38-year-old Jason Brooks died as a result of the crash. The 13-year-old driver and a 16-year-old passenger received moderate injuries. No one in the vehicle was restrained.

Lake Charles Representative Brett Geymann is holding a Town Hall Meeting today on Common Core at Sam Houston High School. Michelle Southern reports…

cut 1 (30) “reporting”
Election day is November 4th and if you want to cast a ballot and have not registered to vote, time is running out. Louisiana’s US Senate race has been identified nationally as one which could ultimately determine control of the upper house. If you want to vote in the upcoming election, the deadline to register is October 6th.

US Senate candidate Republican Congressman Bill Cassidy released a television ad over the weekend featuring former supporters of incumbent Democrat Mary Landrieu who say they will now vote for Cassidy because of Landrieu’s support of Obamacare. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says attaching Landrieu to Obama is a smart strategy for Cassidy…

cut 9 (07) “he can have”

The election is November 4th.

According to the Army Environmental Command, Fort Polk has received the most supporting comments of any of the 30 Army bases across the country facing military cutbacks. Michael Reese, with Fort Polk Progress, says out of about 110,000 comments received this year, over 34,000 comments supported Fort Polk. He says they learned last year that community support of the base makes a big difference…

cut 11 (05) “wanted most”

The Vernon Parish Army base avoided significant cutbacks last year, losing only about 250 troops.

Bill Cassidy is running new commercials now which show former Senator Mary Landrieu supporters speaking out against the incumbent in the US Senate race. One of the women says she voted for Landrieu before, but when the Senator voted for Obamacare she knew she’d made a mistake. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Obamacare is the main issue of this Senate race…:
CUT 8 (08) “in the primaries”

A Lake Charles lawmaker is holding a Town Hall meeting today to get people together for a talk on Common Core. Representative Brett Beymann says they’ll have people on hand today at Sam Houston High School who have done extensive research on Common Core and will be happy to answer any questions or concerns…:
CUT 6 (12) “answer those”
The meeting will begin at 5:30 this evening.

Other than the Saints tough loss to the Cowboys last night which puts them at one and three so far on the season, another big sports discussion today in Louisiana is the quarterback starting spot at LSU. Anthony Jennings had a horrible start against New Mexico State Saturday and fans were chanting for Coach Les Miles to put in Brandon Harris. Miles was asked if Jennings lose his confidence…:
CUT 14 (21) “sustained”
Meanwhile Harris threw for 178 yards and three touchdowns in the Tigers 63-7 victory.

Don’t forget to register to vote if you haven’t already. There’s a hotly contested US Senate race going on in Louisiana which is getting national attention and if you want to cast a ballot November 4th you need to sign up before next Monday.

Leaders in southwest Louisiana are getting together for a meeting this evening to help the public get a better understanding of Common Core. Lake Charles Representative Brett Geymann says he decided to hold the Town Hall Meeting because so many complaints have been coming in from parents and teachers. He says they will have a panel at Sam Houston High School today at 5:30 to answer questions about Common Core…:
CUT 5 (11) “and principal”
He says Common Core experts and other lawmakers will all be on hand at this evening’s meeting.

State Police say a man from Converse died over the weekend in a motorcycle crash in DeSoto Parish. They say 57-year-old Robert Walton was throwing from his Harley when it struck a car that pulled into his path On US Highway 171. Investigators say the driver of the car, 21-year-old Celeste Brewer of Stonewall, was not injured. The crash is under investigation.

According to the Army Environmental Command, Fort Polk has received the most supporting public comments of any of the 30 Army bases across the country facing military cutbacks. Scott Carwile has more…:
CUT 3 (32) “reporting”

Authorities are saying it’s an arson fire that lit up an apartment complex on Jefferson Highway in Baton Rouge Sunday night. They say 33-year-old Jeffrey Jones allegedly set a mattress on fire with a cigarette on purpose which caused a blaze that damaged 10 units. Two residents were treated for minor injuries.

Republican Congressman Bill Cassidy released a television ad over the weekend featuring former supporters of his incumbent challenger Democrat Mary Landrieu in the US Senate race. In the spot, three women say they will not vote for Landrieu this year because of her support of Obamacare. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this is a good move on the part of Cassidy…:
CUT 7 (06) “this election”
He says you’ll likely continue to see Cassidy link Landrieu to the President throughout the remainder of his campaign.

If you haven’t registered to vote yet you need to do it before next Monday if you want to cast a ballot in the November 4th election. That’s when voters will decide if it’ll be Landrieu or Cassidy or another Republican challenger. The race has been identified nationally as one which could ultimately determine if Democrats keep control of the US Senate. October 6th is the deadline to sign up to cast your ballot.

According to the Army Environmental Command, Fort Polk has received the most supporting public comments of any of the 30 Army bases across the country facing military cutbacks. Michael Reese, with Fort Polk Progress, says last year during this process, the military received about 8,000 comments with over half coming from Fort Polk…:
CUT 10 (11) “in the country”
He says the Army will announce where the cutbacks will happen in an announcement next summer.

Louisiana State Police say a man died in a three vehicle crash on Highway 139 in Ouachita Parish yesterday afternoon. They say 59-year-old Mark Dent of Monroe slammed into the back of a stopped car in front of him then traveled in the opposite lane of traffic into the path of another vehicle. Dent was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.

US Senate candidate Republican Congressman Bill Cassidy released a television ad over the weekend featuring former supporters of incumbent Democrat Mary Landrieu. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 2 (28) “reporting”

The St. Martinville man who cut his wrists and and throat with a razor blade inside a courtroom in July once he was convicted on five counts of aggravated incest has been formally sentenced. 57-year-old Robbie Frith was told Friday he’ll serve 35 years at hard labor without the benefit of parole. He was also ordered to pay a $50,000 fine.

Lake Charles Representative Brett Geymann is holding a Town Hall Meeting today on Common Core at Sam Houston High School. He invites the public to come out and discuss Common Core and get answers to any questions or express any concerns you might have…:
CUT 4 (11) “make a change”
He says they’ll have people on hand today who have done extensive research on the education standards and will be happy to answer any questions.

The New Orleans Saints suffered an ugly heartbreaking 38-17 loss to Dallas last night in Arlington. The score was 24-0 at halftime. The Black and Gold return home to play Tampa Bay Sunday then they have a bye.

US Senator David Vitter is making it known, he doesn’t want fellow Senator Mary Landrieu to return for a fourth term. Eric Gill has the story…
cut 2 (25) “…reporting”

Tonight at Tiger Stadium, LSU will conclude a four-game homestand by hosting New Mexico State. Anthony Jennings is expected to start at quarterback, but Coach Les Miles expect to see more of back-up Brandon Harris, after he threw two touchdown passes last week…
cut 30 (11) “…that game”
Kick-off tonight is at 6:30.

State Police announce the arrest of eleven people between the ages of 21 and 61 in an undercover operation targeting prostitution, human trafficking and child exploitation in Shreveport. Authorities say two of the people arrested were child predators who were allegedly involved in a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old.

After spending yesterday in New Hampshire, Governor Bobby Jindal is in Des Moines today to speak at the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition Banquet. It’s been reported he’ll be in South Carolina next month. All three states are key presidential primary states.

Today is National Hunting and Fishing Day and to celebrate the Louisiana the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is holding events for those who love the outdoors in Baton Rouge, Monroe, Minden and Woodworth. Secretary Robert Barham says the goal is to get people outside to enjoy what Louisiana has to offer….
cut 4 (10) “…with Louisiana”
All four events are free and you can get more information at w-l-f-dot-louisiana-dot-gov.

US Senator David Vitter is campaigning this weekend against his colleague in the senate, democrat Mary Landrieu. Vitter is knocking on doors in Baton Rouge this morning, with representatives of the national anti-abortion group, the Susan B. Anthony List. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says it’s rare for a US Senator to actively campaign against the other Senator from their state…
cut 6 (09) “about it”

According to the Army Environmental Command, Fort Polk received the most supporting public comments of any of the 30 Army bases that are facing military cutbacks. Michael Reese, with Fort Polk Progress, says that kind of support will have a significant impact on where the Army decides to make cuts…
cut 11 (05) “…most”
A decision from the Army is not expected until the middle of next year.

The state department of wildlife and fisheries is inviting Louisianians to take part in National Hunting and Fishing Day. Michelle Southern reports…
cut 1 (32) “…reporting”

College football takes center stage tonight in the bayou state. At 6:30…LSU hosts New Mexico State as Les Miles and the Tigers look to rebound from their loss to Mississippi State….
cut 30 (04) “…about improving”
Also tonight…ULM can improve to 2-and-0 in the Sun Belt as they host Troy. McNeese State faces Arkansas Tech in Cowboy Stadium.

It’s unusual for one US Senator to go door-to-door to encourage voters NOT to vote for the other US Senator in the same state, but that’s what Senator David Vitter is doing today in Baton Rouge. Vitter is accompanied by representatives from an anti-abortion group. Senator Many Landrieu believes in pro-choice. U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross…
CUT 7 (07) Q: “their vote”
Landrieu’s main challenger in the race, Baton Rouge Congressman Bill Cassidy, is pro-life.

It’s the first weekend in fall and that means the Fall Festival schedule cranks up. The 73rd annual Sugar Cane Festival in New Iberia highlights this weekend. Jacques Berry, with the Lt. Governor’s office, says there’s some great festivals coming up next month….
cut 13 (10) “…on the Northshore”

The state department of health and hospitals has confirmed 15 new cases of the West Nile Virus. That brings the total number of infections for the year to 118. Health officials encourage residents to take steps to prevent mosquito bites, especially today if you’re heading out to tailgate before a college football game.

Speaking of college football, the LSU Tigers look to rebound from a tough loss to Mississippi State when they host New Mexico State tonight. ULM will face Sun Belt Rival Troy at six P-M tonight. Mcneese State looks to go 2-and-1 on the year when they host Arkansas Tech.

Today is National Hunting and Fishing Day. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is celebrating the day by hosting a Family Fish Fest in Baton Rouge and there’s activities planned in Monroe, Minden and Woodworth. L-D-W-F Secretary Robert Barham….
cut 5 (09) “…all ages”
For more information go to L-D-W-F’s website.

US Senator David Vitter will campaign this weekend against his colleague in the senate, democrat Mary Landrieu. Saturday morning, Vitter will knock on doors in Baton Rouge with representatives a national anti-abortion group. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says it’s rare for US Senator to knock on the doors of voters’ homes…

cut 8 (09) “something new”

He says it’s also uncommon for a US Senator to actively campaign against the other Senator from their state.

According to the Shreveport Mayor’s office, Fire Chief Ronald Craig Mulford has been fired after being on paid leave since being indicted in June on charges stemming from his handling of complaints against several firefighters under his command. Political analyst Elliot Stonecipher says Mulford is accused of not reporting criminal activity…

cut 10 (10) “long period of time”

One of the firefighters has pleaded guilty to hiring a prostitute and acting cruelly toward an intellectually disabled man.

With the autumn season in Louisiana comes the festival season and there’s no shortage of celebrations this fall 2014. Jacques Berry, Communications Director with the Lt. Governor’s Office, says Louisiana festivals are more than just food and music. He says they all have themes and traveling the state for these parties is a great opportunity to learn about your state…

cut 14 (15) “in the Gumbo pot”

He says starting with this weekend we’ve got the huge Sugar Cane Festival happening in New Iberia and the Balloon Festival in Gonzales.

Governor Bobby Jindal is visiting New Hampshire and Iowa this weekend, two important presidential campaign states. Friday, the governor was in New Hampshire. Saturday Jindal makes several stops in Iowa including an Iowa State University tailgate for Republican Senator Bill Dix and a speech at the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition.