Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy was a target for attacks in last night’s debate. Democratic Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell asked Republican Congressman Charles Boustany to respond to an ad by Kennedy in which he jokes about suicide and drinking weed killer.

Cut 15 (09) “joking matter”

Kennedy responded, saying he’d rather drink weed killer than answer that.

A state legislative committee is meeting at this hour to talk about lawsuits filed by several coastal parishes against oil and gas companies, as the parishes claim they’re polluting their land. But House Natural Resources Committee chairman Stuart Bishop says parishes like Terrebonne and Lafourche oppose the suit.

Cut 5 (10) “the parishes”

Bishop says the goal of today’s meeting is to have an open dialogue about this issue.

The Caldwell Parish Superintendent issues an apology regarding the strip search that was conducted on students at Caldwell Parish High School to find a missing $42. Superintendent John Gullatt apologized to the students involved and their families, saying the incident must be addressed. He added that teachers and administrators will receive additional training.

As flu season approaches, the Louisiana Department of Health reminds everyone to get their flu shot. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The state House Judiciary Committee begins two days of meetings today to discuss universal training for police officers, as well as de-escalation tactics. Monroe Representative Katrina Jackson says the purpose of the hearing is to start conversations about improving relations and building trust…:
Cut 9 (06) “vet everything”
She says the goal of the hearings is to improve the trust between police and the public, especially African-Americans who feel they’ve been targeted by law enforcement.

A state legislative committee is meeting this morning to discuss
lawsuits against oil and gas companies by five coastal parishes, claiming these plants polluted and destroyed their land. House Natural Resources Chairman Stuart Bishop of Lafayette…:
CUT 6 (10) “thus far”
He says the public needs to know the game plan and what these lawsuits are all about.

The School Superintendent of Caldwell Parish High School admits the strip searching of students for stolen money went too far…:
CUT 3 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

During last night’s US Senate debate, all candidates jabbed at front runner Republican John Kennedy including Democrat Caroline Fayard who pointed out the State Treasurer’s support of former Governor Bobby Jindal, who buried the state in debt…:
CUT 17 (09) “which is it”
Kennedy argued he’s the only candidate who won’t get wrapped up in Washington politics.

The top Louisiana Senate hopefuls squared off last night and discussed the way they plan to fight for the state in Washington. The forum was televised statewide. Democratic Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell had strong words for GOP candidate John Kennedy after the State Treasurer claimed he convinced the legislature to invest money from a tobacco settlement…:
cut 14 (10) “no vote”
Republican Congressmen Charles Boustany and John Fleming also took part in the forum, as did Democrat Caroline Fayard.

Governor John Bel Edwards will once again be behind the microphone today for his call in radio show, “Ask the Governor.” The broadcast begins at 2pm and can be heard on affiliate radio stations of the Louisiana Radio Network. You can call and speak with the governor regarding your concerns on any number of issues by dialing 1-877-217-5757.

Flu season is just around the corner and heath officials are urging folks to go ahead and get vaccinated now. State Medical Director Dr. Frank Welch says high risk groups include elderly people, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions, but everyone should get the shot:
CUT 12 (09) “everyone else”
He adds that the nasal vaccine is not available this year.

Community and police relations will be the topic of conversation today during a House Judiciary meeting. Monroe Representative Katrina Jackson chairs the committee and says they want to talk about partnerships with law enforcement that can enhance respect for cops in the communities they police…:
Cut 8 (07) “will be there”
She says they need to look at ways that people on both sides can deescalate a situation in a way that keeps both police and the public safe. And the goal of the hearing is to improve the trust between police and the public.

5 of the 24 US Senate candidates met in the first statewide televised debate of the race last night in Ruston. Front runner Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy took several jabs from all of his opponents, but Kennedy said he’s the only one who wouldn’t be part of the so called Washington club if he’s elected…:
CUT 16 (11) “of themselves”
Democrats Foster Campbell and Caroline Fayard and GOP candidates John Fleming and Charles Boustany also participated in the forum.

The House Natural Resources committee meets today to discuss lawsuits against oil and gas companies by five coastal parishes that claim these plants polluted and destroyed their land. Chairman Stuart Bishop on why he called the meeting…:
CUT 4 (10) “these lawsuits”

The Jefferson Parish Council meets today, and Parish President Mike Yenni is supposed to be there. All members on the council have called for Yenni to resign since he admitted to sending improper text messages to a 17-year-old boy. Yenni has said he doesn’t plan to step down because what he did was just a stupid mistake and not illegal. Analysts expect the meeting to be awkward.

The House Judiciary Committee meets today to discuss ways to improve race relations in Louisiana following the tragic events of this summer….:
CUT 1 (26) “I’m Don Molino”

Candidates for US Senate went at it in the first statewide televised debate last night. GOP Congressman John Fleming was quick to attack his Republican colleague in the US House, Congressman Charles Boustany. While answering a question about his willingness to compromise, he directed his response towards Boustany saying, it’s important to get things done, but more important to get the things done right…:
Cut 13 (10) “heaven’s sake”
Also participating were Democrats Foster Campbell and Caroline Fayard, and Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy.

The state House Judiciary Committee begins two days of meetings today to discuss universal training for police officers, as well as de-escalation tactics. Monroe Representative Katrina Jackson is the chair…:
CUT 7 (09) “with solutions”

Flu season is just around the corner and state officials are urging residents to get vaccinated. Dr. Frank Welch, Louisiana Department of Health Medical Director, says everyone needs to get the flu shot even if you got one last year…:
Cut 10 (08) “changes itself”
He says despite what some people may think, getting a flu shot will not give someone the flu.

The FBI says they’ve arrested 45 people throughout the state in connection with underage human trafficking as part of Operation Cross Country X. In a release, feds say they rescued three juvenile victims who were used for prostitution. The nationwide effort saved a total of 82 minors and 239 traffickers and their associates.

A Louisiana man is suing the state over a law that prevents him from getting married because he doesn’t have a birth certificate. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

There’s been accusations of illegal strip searches at Caldwell Parish High School and the school superintendent admits the search for a missing 42-dollars went too far. Upset parents say their kids were in their underwear while school officials looked for the money. Superintendent John Gullatt says it’s been determined the search exceeded the limits of what’s allowed.

Attorney General Jeff Landry reacts to a state judge ruling in his favor in a lawsuit filed by Governor John Bel Edwards. Emelie Gunn…
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Shreveport police have identified four suspects, including a seven-year-old girl, who were involved in a break-in at a Judson Elementary School on Monday morning. Detectives say two dozen Ipads were among the items stolen. Authorities have arrested 18-year-old D’Angelo Walker and he’s facing several charges.

A Louisiana man is suing over a state law that requires couples seeking marriage licenses to present a birth certificate, which can pose a problem for those born outside the US. 31-year-old Victor Vo of Lafayette is a US citizen but doesn’t have a birth certificate because he was born in a refugee camp. Marley Ann Brumme is representing Vo…:
Cut 9 (10) “born abroad”
The author of the law, Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges, says she’s more than willing to tweak the language.

It appears the parents of students at Caldwell High were telling the truth when they claimed their children were stripped searched. Caldwell Parish Superintendent John Gullatt has issued an apology and says after reviewing the facts, they believe the search exceeded the limits of what was allowed by school board policy.

There are 24 candidates in the November 8th US Senate race, but few voters are engaged. We spoke with this woman who is familiar with at least one of the contenders because of his controversial past…:
CUT 7 (07) “anybody else”
5 of the 24 candidates participate in a debate on LBP tonight.

Campaign finance totals show Republican Scott Angelle has raised more money than all of the candidates combined in the third district Congressional race. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Angelle is in a good position to make a runoff. He says there is a dark horse for the second runoff spot…
cut 14 (10) “….constituency”
Cross says Democrat Larry Rader, former law enforcement official Clay Higgins and Gus Rantz also have a shot at a runoff spot.