**CORRECTION** 13:30 Newscast, October 21st, 2015

**Affiliates please note that David Vitter will NOT be at tonight’s debate. We apologize for the error.**

An arrest has been made in connection with the murder of an elderly Baton Rouge couple who was found strangled to death at truck stop in Hammond. Emelie Gunn has more…:
CUT 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Three candidates for governor are set to appear tonight in a debate on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge at 7pm. Republicans Scott Angelle, Jay Dardenne, and Democrat John Bel Edwards are slated to be there. You can watch it in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lafayette and Shreveport.

A US judge has issued a final ruling on Governor Bobby Jindal’s lawsuit against Common Core. The ruling was that there is no evidence to support Jindal’s claim that feds were forcing states to adopt the standards.

Vice President Joe Biden ended months of speculation today by announcing he will not seek the Democratic presidential nomination. In his announcement, Biden said he didn’t think there was sufficient time to mount a winning campaign. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says this is great news for Hillary Clinton…:
CUT 9 (07) “looks like”
National polls showed Biden consistently polling with at least 10-percent support among Democratic voters.

Saints linebackers and assistant head coach of the New Orleans Saints Joe Vitt will be listed as doubtful on the injury report after he tore his Achilles and broke his wrist, while chasing down car burglars in his Old Metairie neighborhood. Saints Coach Sean Payton says Vitt, who has a torn Achilles and broken wrist, has not missed a day of work because of it. The Black and Gold take on the Colts Sunday at noon.

13:30 Newscast, October 21st, 2015

An arrest has been made in connection with the murder of an elderly Baton Rouge couple who was found strangled to death at truck stop in Hammond. Emelie Gunn has more…:
CUT 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The four candidates for governor are set to appear tonight in a debate on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge at 7pm. Republicans Scott Angelle, Jay Dardenne, David Vitter and Democrat John Bel Edwards are all slated to be there. You can watch it in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lafayette and Shreveport.

A US judge has issued a final ruling on Governor Bobby Jindal’s lawsuit against Common Core. The ruling was that there is no evidence to support Jindal’s claim that feds were forcing states to adopt the standards.

Vice President Joe Biden ended months of speculation today by announcing he will not seek the Democratic presidential nomination. In his announcement, Biden said he didn’t think there was sufficient time to mount a winning campaign. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says this is great news for Hillary Clinton…:
CUT 9 (07) “looks like”
National polls showed Biden consistently polling with at least 10-percent support among Democratic voters.

Saints linebackers and assistant head coach of the New Orleans Saints Joe Vitt will be listed as doubtful on the injury report after he tore his Achilles and broke his wrist, while chasing down car burglars in his Old Metairie neighborhood. Saints Coach Sean Payton says Vitt, who has a torn Achilles and broken wrist, has not missed a day of work because of it. The Black and Gold take on the Colts Sunday at noon.

 

12:30 Newscast, October 21st, 2015

An arrest has been made in connection with the double murder and abduction of a Baton Rouge couple authorities announce. The victims, Denis and Suzanne Duplantier, were found strangled to death in their vehicle at a truck stop in Hammond. Baton Rouge Police Chief Carl Dabadie says 42-year-old Ernesto Alonso was arrested in Miami, Florida on two counts each of first degree murder and second degree kidnapping…:
CUT 1 (06) “recovered”
He says Alonso did odd jobs around the couple’s home and the DA’s office believes that robbery was the motive in this horrific crime.

The investigation into the body which was found at a Sugartown residence inside a burned out truck continues according to the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office. They say when authorities responded this morning, they found the vehicle on fire in the backyard. The body is being sent to the Calcasieu Coroner’s Office and officials say it’s too early to tell if foul play is a factor.

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles has mailed 1.2 million letters to drivers with lapsed insurance warning them that a collections agency could be used if they don’t pay their fines. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 1 (28) “I’m Eric Gill”

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says later this afternoon they will give an update on the condition of the K-9 who was stabbed during a robbery. Deputies shot the suspect dead as he began stabbing the K-9 Thor.

 

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Over the last two games, the LSU football team has been much better at throwing the football. They’ve thrown for over 200 yards in each contest. Sophomore wide receiver Malachi Dupre had 115 receiving yards and two touchdowns against Florida and he credits the development of quarterback Brandon Harris…
cut 19 (15) “…for him”
Dupre leads the team in receiving yards, with 311, and has caught four of Harris’ touchdown passes.

In college basketball…the Tigers have been picked to finish fourth in the SEC, according to a preseason media poll. Freshman Ben Simmons has been named the SEC Men’s Basketball Player of the year. And in the Sun Belt preseason college basketball poll, UL Lafayette is the preseason favorite, while ULM is picked to finish third.

Saints Coach Sean Payton said there was something missing in the last few weeks as he explained the reason why the team released kicker Zach Hocker and signed veteran Kai Forbath. And Payton also said Joe Vitt will be listed as doubtful on the injury report after he tore his achilles and broke his wrist, while chasing down car burglars in his neighborhood.

The Ragin Cajuns fell to 2-and-4 on the season after losing to Arkansas State 37-27. At one time the Red Wolves led 27-0. UL Lafayette was able to make it a game, thanks to the play of quarterback Jalen Nixon, who threw for 253 yards and ran for another 201 yards.

ULM Coach Todd Berry says he will not call plays this Saturday as the Warhawks visit Idaho. The Warhawks are on a four-game losing streak and scored just 14 points last week.

And former Nichools State football player Altee Tenpenny was killed in a car accident last night in Mississippi. He transferred to Nicholls in August after playing two seasons at Alabama. But was recently suspended indefinitely.

11:30 Newscast, October 21st, 2015

Baton Rouge Police Chief Carl Dabadie announces an arrest has been made in connection with the murder of a Baton Rouge couple whose bodies were dumped at a truck stop in Hammond. He says last night, in a joint effort between Baton Rouge Police, Hammond Police, the DA’s office and Louisiana State Police — flew to Miami, Florida…:
CUT 1 (09) “kidnapping”
He says they are currently in the process of questioning the suspect because it is believed he had an accomplice. Authorities say Denis and Suzanne Duplantier were kidnapped and strangled to death. They indicated at this point it appears that robbery was the motive in the killings.

A body was found in a truck that was on fire at a residence in Sugartown Wednesday according to the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office. Detectives are on the scene, but it is too early to say whether or not foul play was a factor.

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles has mailed 1.2 million letters to drivers with lapsed insurance warning them that a collections agency could be used if their fines of up to $525 go unpaid. A new law allows the office to send solicitations in an effort to collect money through the Office of Debt Recover. State Police spokesman JB Slaton says these letters are just a first step…:
CUT 3 (06) “Debt Recovery”

The American Cancer Society says its okay for women to wait until they are 45 to get a mammogram. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

 

10:30 Newscast, October 21st , 2015

The latest job report for Louisiana shows continuous growth in the state overall, but major losses continue in the oil and gas industries. Louisiana Workforce Commission Executive Director Curt Eysink says despite over the year gains from September last year to 2015, the mining and logging sector, which includes oil and gas, lost 1200 jobs in last month and 8,800 over the 12 month period. He says two of the bright spots on the report include Baton Rouge and Lake Charles with both areas setting growth records…:
Cut 6 (09) “the whole state”

More information is coming out about the murder of a Baton Rouge couple whose dead bodies were found in their vehicle at a Hammond truck stop. The victims are Denis and Suzanne Duplantier (DOO PLON SHAY), and are both in their 70s, according to authorities. Cops in Hammond say it is believed the two were kidnapped, strangled and left at the truck stop. This is a developing story.

State Police says the Office of Motor Vehicles has sent over one million letters to motorists who have let their car insurance lapse, warning them they will be turned into a collection agency if they don’t pay the $525 fine. Louisiana is out to get nearly $445 million dollars in debts that have not been paid. There are some who assert this is a money grab by the state. But State Police has reportedly indicated that this is an honest effort to recoup what is owed to Louisiana.

With Halloween right around the corner, many of people are flocking to get the best costume. Emelie Gunn has more on what’s hot this year…:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

 

09:30 Newscast October 21, 2015

The American Cancer Society says its okay for women to wait until they are 45 to get a mammogram. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles has mailed 1.2 million letters to drivers with lapsed insurance. The letters warn drivers a collections agency could be used if their fines of up to $525 go unpaid. A new law allows the office to send solicitations in an effort to collect money through the Office of Debt Recovery. It’s reported that the state hopes to collect $444 million in outstanding debts. Critics claim this is a money grab by the state.

Baton Rouge authorities are working a case where a 15-year-old girl spent a night alone in a wooded area bound and gagged. Corporal L’ Jean McKneely says the girl left her home with an unknown male on Monday, but they’re not sure if that person is responsible. He says the girl was left in a helpless situation Monday night and then found by a passer-by on Tuesday…

cut 16 (06) “of the day”

He says they know more than one person is responsible for this crime.

With Halloween just ten days away, many are running to stores to try and get the best costume for the holiday. Danielle Hebert, with Party City in Slidell, says says many people don’t seem too interested in pop culture costumes like Donald Trump this Halloween. But, she says with the newest Star Wars moving coming out soon, outfits are going quick…

cut 8 (10) “age group”

She says women are leaning toward the scary side for a costume this Halloween.

08:30 Newscast October 21, 2015

The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the state set an employment record in September, but the oil and gas job losses continue at a rapid pace. Michelle Southern reports…

cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

Police are searching for two persons of interest in the murder of a Baton Rouge couple found dead at a truck stop in Hammond. They believe Denis and Suzanne Duplantier were taken from their home and driven to Hammond Sunday. Autopsy results show the Duplantiers were strangled to death. Authorities are also searching for a suspect vehicle, a 2007 Chevrolet truck with license plate number C287533, that was seen on surveillance video.

The American Cancer Society has updated their guidelines to start breast cancer screenings at the age of 45. Dean Emeritus at the LSU School of Public Health in New Orleans, Dr. Elizabeth Fontham, says the changed guidelines also state that doctors no longer need to perform breast exams during checkups…

cut 13 (11) “mortality rate”

She says women 55 and over can now be screened every other year.

Baton Rouge authorities are investigating a case where a 15-year-old girl spent a night alone in a wooded area bound and gagged. Corporal L’ Jean McKneely says a person walking near St. James Baptist Church spotted the girl…

cut 14 (10) “runaway missing”

He says investigators have determined that more than one person is responsible for this crime.

07:30 Newscast October 21, 2015

The American Cancer Society is changing their guidelines to start breast cancer screenings at the age of 45. Dr. Eliabeth Fontham, Dean Emeritus at the LSU School of Public Health in New Orleans, says women 55 and over can now be screened every other year. She says after menopause, tumors tend to grow much slower, which means its safe to get checked less often…

cut 12 (09) “screening”

Another change with the updated guidelines is doctors no longer need to perform breast exams during checkups.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the state set an employment record in September, but oil and gas job losses continue their rapid decline. LWC Executive Director Curt Eysink says the mining and logging sector, which includes oil and gas, lost 1200 jobs in September and 8,800 over the 12 month period. He says the longer the price of oil stays low, the more it’s going to affect employment in that category…

cut 5 (05) “out of this”

Eysink says the biggest impact of the job losses is being felt in the Lafayette and Houma areas.

Baton Rouge Police is investigating a case of a 15-year-old girl who spent Monday night in a wooded area bound and gagged. Corporal L’ Jean McKneely says authorities know more than one person is responsible for this crime…

cut 15 (09) “at the scene”

McKneely says the girl left her home with an unknown male on Monday, but they are not sure if that person is one of those responsible.

Halloween is only ten days away and many are clamoring to stores to try and get the best costume. Manager of the Costume Shop of West Monroe Renata Herren says both men and women have been very interested in superhero costumes. She says every year one theme from years back will come back and become a big hit…

cut 9 (06) “it’s crazy”

Herren says Monster High characters are popular among young girls this year.

06:45 Sportscast October 21, 2015

Arkansas State scored 34 first half points and held on to defeat UL-Lafayette 37-27. Ragin Cajuns starting quarterback Jalen Nixon threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 201 yards and another touchdown. However Nixon was picked off twice by a Red Wolves defense that leads the FBS in interceptions. The Cajuns fall to 2-4 overall and 1-1 in the Sun Belt Conference. UL-Lafayette will host in-state conference foe ULM Halloween night at Cajun Field.

Junior defensive end Lewis Neal is having a breakout season for the 5th ranked LSU Tigers. Neal has seven sacks and 30 tackles this season. In his first two seasons, he only had 10 tackles and zero sacks. Neal says he always knew he had the ability to produce

cut 17 (13) “stick to”

LSU will take on Western Kentucky Saturday night in Tiger Stadium.

In the latest FCS coaches poll…McNeese State is still ranked ninth. Southeastern Louisiana and Grambling State are receiving votes in the poll. The Cowboys host Northwestern State this Saturday, while S-L-U is at Houston Baptist and Grambling hosts Mississippi Valley for homecoming.

The Pelicans will likely start the regular season without guard Tyreke Evans. The team announced that Evans had successful arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Tuesday morning. No timetable has been set for Evans’ return. The Pels open their regular season Tuesday night on the road against defending NBA Champion Golden State Warriors.

In the Major League Baseball Playoffs, both League Championship Series are one game away from being decided. In the NLCS, the Mets have a commanding 3-games-to-nothing lead over the Cubs after last night’s 5-2 win. And in the ALCS, the Royals are one win away from the World Series after routing Toronto 14-2.